Netley Abbey
Netley Abbey was Cistercian Abbey founded in the early part of the 13th Century, by Peter des Roches, the Bishop of Winchester from 1205–1238, with the first monks entering it the year after his death. It is thought that little building took place on the site until it received the patronage of Henry III a few years later, but after this few alterations were made.
The abbey remained in use until the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1536.
The ruins to be seen on the site today are relatively unchanged, apart from some structural restoration, from those originally built. The abbey ruins are set in quiet parkland to the west of the village of Netley. The abbey is maintained by English Heritage, and is open free to visitors all year round.
Legends and ghosts
Legends abound that the gold and other riches belonging to the abbey were hidden in a secret tunnel somewhere within the grounds at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, and are yet to be discovered.
There are also rumours of three ghosts who inhabit the old abbey ruins. Though none has been proven correct, it does indeed add to the mystery of the place.
The first ghost is supposedly of a man who was crushed to death by falling bricks; the man in question was also reported to be a smuggler and often buried his treasures in the grounds. This ghost can be seen as a white figure and there are reports of bricks falling from the old walls when he is nearby.
The second ghost is of an Abbott who resided in the abbey; this Abott performed dark and violent practises within the walls. He appears like a large moving shadow.
And the third and final ghost is believed to be of an old lady; no one knows why she is there but she can be seen at night floating between the rooms of the old rectory.
