Trustee Statement on Corona-virus
and Stoneleigh Abbey
Following advice from the Prime Minister on March 16 and the latest Government recommendations, Stoneleigh Abbey will close to the public today, Wednesday 18th March until further notice. Hopefully we look forward to reopening as soon as possible.
The safety and well-being of Abbey staff, volunteers and visitors is top priority at this time.
We look forward to welcoming you to Stoneleigh Abbey again soon, and we will let you know about our plans for reopening as soon as we are able. Until then, I hope that you and those close to you keep healthy and safe.
David Eaves
General Manager
Stoneleigh Abbey
NEXT EVENT:
All Public events are presently cancelled to be rearranged in the future
HISTORY
HOUSE &
HISTORY TOUR
With humble beginnings as a Cistercian monastic house in 1154, Stoneleigh Abbey was converted at the Dissolution into a comfortable family home. One of the seats of the Leigh family, Stoneleigh has played host to several people of note, including King Charles I, Queen Victoria, and novelist Jane Austen.
The fine Grade 1 listed English Mansion House is comprised of two halves; the first, made of red sandstone, is a fine example of a Jacobean house, built from the ruins of the monastery. The second, the West Wing, was designed by famous architect Francis Smith of Warwick in the Baroque style. Visitors to the Abbey can learn more of the house's history through a guided tour of the West Wing.
Jane Austen &
Stoneleigh Abbey
Stoneleigh Abbey was inherited by a relative of Jane Austen's mother, the Reverend Thomas Leigh. Jane Austen stayed with her mother in August 1806 as his guests. Many people feel that Stoneleigh Abbey was the model for Mansfield Park. But it is the reaction, of Jane's mother to the Abbey that is most interesting. During her visit with Jane she wrote a long letter to her daughter-in-law Mary detailing the house, the food, the servants. Learn more on our Jane Austen tours......
REPTON WALK
In 1809, Humphry Repton, the most respected landscape gardener of his time, was invited to Stoneleigh Abbey by Reverend Thomas Leigh to advise him on updating the Abbey landscape. Repton created one of his ‘Red Books’, a collection of watercolour images of the house and grounds as they existed with overlays to suggest alterations to the estate. While not all of his suggestions were implemented, the result is a stunning natural landscape with superb views. Enjoy the new Cordelia Leigh Bridge and walks along the Gazebo island, our Victorian Pump House has been restored .New for 2018 the Red book has now been completely digitised so you can see every page.
Dogs are not allowed in the grounds
