A Brief History

Founded in 1154 by a group of Cistercian monks, Stoneleigh Abbey reflects a rich mix of more than 800 years of history. The estate was the home of the Leigh family from 1561 until the late twentieth century.

Many famous people have connections with the Abbey: Charles I was entertained here when the gates of Coventry were closed against him, Jane Austen stayed at the Abbey and uses descriptions of its grand interiors and gardens in two of her novels, and in 1858 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed at Stoneleigh.

The work of famous architects and artisans is displayed in Stoneleigh’s architecture and rooms. The mediaeval Gatehouse was built in 1346 and is one of a few in Britain which are still standing and complete. In 1720 Francis Smith of Warwick began work on the Great West Wing which is considered to be the masterpiece of this famous and prolific architect. The State Rooms of the West Wing boast some of the finest freehand three dimensional plasterwork to be seen anywhere. The Riding School (now the Banqueting Hall) and Stables, designed by C S Smith, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.

Stoneleigh Abbey sits in 690 acres of parkland and gardens with the River Avon flowing through. Great landscape architects such as Repton and Nessfield have influenced the design and form of the land and created a beautiful backdrop for leisure and sport.

In December 1996 the ownership of Stoneleigh Abbey passed to a charitable trust who, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and the European Regional Development Fund, have in partnership with Warwick District Council repaired and restored the buildings of the Abbey. The four year repair and restoration programme was overseen by Project Coordinator Shahab Seyfollahi. The masonry work required over 225 cubic metres (450 tonnes) of newly quarried stone for the facade of the West Wing alone .