Netley Abbey Houses

The Abbey, from which the village got its name, 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 ( Sanctae Mariae de Loco Sancti Edwardi), the Abbey was under the patronage of Henry 111, whose name appears on the foundation stone at the base of the north east crossing tower. It was probably built by the King's Mason, who also constructed Westminster Abbey.