From Abbey to Mansion House

Netley Abbey as it appeared in the late 13th century, the home of a monastic community. Drawing by Roger Hutchins. After the abbey was suppressed, it was granted to Sir William Paulet, who converted the buildings into a great country mansion.

Monastic life at Netley Abbey came to an abrupt end in 1536, when Henry VIII suppressed the lesser monasteries. However, this heralded a new phase for the abbey. It was granted to Sir William Paulet, as a reward for his loyal service to the king.

Paulet was the first marquess of Winchester, a most powerful political figure in Hampshire. He held important posts, including treasurer of the royal household.

Netley Abbey in the 16th century, after its conversion into the private mansion house of Sir William Paulet. Drawing by Roger Hutchins. Having acquired the abbey, Paulet set about transforming it into his private mansion, fit for a nobleman of his standing. Cleverly reusing many of the abbey buildings, he created a fashionable Tudor courtyard house.

In the cloister, once the hub of monastic life, a central courtyard was created. The most dramatic change was the demolition of the monks’ refectory, removed to make way for a grand turreted entrance.

The changes that Paulet made were largely in brick. However, these conversions are difficult to see today, as they were largely removed in the later 19th century.