Beaulieu Abbey & Palace House
Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by a French Order of Cistercian Monks on land donated by King John. According to legend, King John was driven to this act, his only ever religious foundation, by a nightmare in which he was beaten by a group of monks angered at his oppression of their community.
Half a century later one of the largest Cistercian churches, the Abbey Church was erected adjacent to the Abbey but both suffered extreme damage during the Dissolution of the Monastries in the mid-16th century. Instigated by Henry VIII, many Catholic religious sites were either destroyed in his efforts to establish himself as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
The only part of Beaulieu Abbey to survive was the monk's living quarters, the Domus, which now houses a fantastic exhibition charting the daily rigours of monastic life in the 13th century. One of the most striking exhibits is a modern tapestry depicting the history of this facinating site.
The size and importance of Beaulieu Abbey is apparent from the size of the original Gate House, Palace House. Set in beautiful grounds and overlooking the Beaulieu River, this fabulous house has been in the Montague family since 1538 and is very much a family home. A tour of the house will reveal many family heirlooms and treasures.
