Sun Rayed Ruins

The ruins of Netley Abbey in the late afternoon sun. Netley Abbey is the most complete Cistercian monastery in Southern England. It originated when a colony of monks of the Cistercian Order crossed Southampton Water from Beaulieu to establish a new religious house at Netley in 1239. Founded by Peter des Roche, Bishop of Winchester, and officially named St.Mary of Edwardsto, the Abbey was under the patronage of Henry VIII, whose name appears on the foundation stone at the base of the north east crossing tower. Monastic life continued for three centuries at the Abbey, until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1536.