Netley Abbey
Netley Abbey was built by Cistercian Monks in the 13th Century. In 1536, following Henry VIII’s suppression of the lesser monasteries, the Abbey was gifted to Sir William Paulet and converted into his private mansion house. In 1704 the owner of the house sold it for building materials and over time Netley Abbey became a treasured ruin, inspiring many artists and writers including John Constable and Jane Austen.
Visit the English Heritage website for further information about Netley Abbey’s history and visiting. There is also extensive information about Netley Abbey and the history of the surrounding area on the Netley Abbey Matters website and the Hound Local History Society website.
Also on the plaque there is a Common pipistrelle bat. Pipistrelles are the most common of the 18 species of bat found in the UK. The Common Pipistrelle weighs around five grams. You are most likely to see bats twenty minutes after sunset in the UK, when they leave their roosts to hunt insects. To find out more about bats visit the Bats Conservation Trust.
This marker post is positioned at the farthest west of the Hamble Peninsula Trails. From here it takes approximately 75 minutes to walk south east along the Principal Trail to Hamble Foreshore, or 30 minutes to cycle there.
If following the Principal Trail to Bursledon Station in the north east of the peninsula, this will take an additional 75 minutes to walk or 30 minutes to cycle.
You can also use the supporting trails to find your own route either along the coast, or inland visiting Netley, Hamble and Bursledon railway stations, where you will find the Parish Posts designed by artist Madeleine Allison.
Netley Abbey