Notley Abbey
Christian·England·Venue for weddings and events·12th century
Notley Abbey was an Augustinian abbey founded in the 12th century near Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, England, by Walter Giffard and Ermengard. It became one of the largest and wealthiest Augustinian monasteries in the Oxford region, holding significant landholdings and tithes from appropriated churches. Dissolved in 1538 by Henry VIII, its remnants were later owned by Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh before becoming a venue for weddings and events.
Key Facts
- ›Founded between 1154 and 1164 by Walter Giffard and Ermengard.
- ›Housed Augustinian canons and became one of the largest and richest Augustinian monasteries in the Oxford region.
- ›Dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538.
- ›Owned by actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh from 1944 to 1960.
- ›Currently owned by Bijou Wedding Venues and used for weddings and events.
- ›Excavated in 1937, revealing the layout and construction timeline.
Romanesque, Early English, Perpendicular Gothic, Medieval
Abbot's House, Cloister Remnants, L-Shaped Main Residence
Walter Giffard, Ermengard, Henry Iv, Henry V, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh
- Foundation In the 12th Century
- Visit By Henry Iv
- Visit By Henry V
- Dissolution By Henry Viii In 1538
- Purchase By Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh In 1944
- Purchase By Bijou Wedding Venues In 2006
About Notley Abbey
Notley Abbey was an Augustinian abbey established in the mid-12th century near Long Crendon in Buckinghamshire, England. Founded between 1154 and 1164 by Walter Giffard, the second Earl of Buckingham, and his wife Ermengard, the abbey was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist. It grew to become one of the largest and wealthiest Augustinian monasteries in the Oxford region, supported by significant landholdings and income from appropriated churches. The abbey was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1538, after which its structures underwent various transformations.
History and Development
The Augustinian canons at Notley Abbey initially sought to blend monastic and apostolic lifestyles. The abbey's wealth was augmented through lands such as Lower Winchendon and Chilton, as well as tithes from churches. A significant development occurred in 1258 when the abbey received permission to serve its appropriated churches with its own canons. In 1461, Notley Abbey further expanded its revenue by absorbing the small priory of Chetwood. Historically, the abbey received visits from royalty; Henry IV stayed there following the Battle of Radcot Bridge, and Henry V also visited.
Architectural Evolution
Construction at Notley Abbey began in the early 1160s, initially in the Romanesque style. Subsequent phases saw the addition of the nave around 1200 in either Early English or transitional architecture, with the eastern wing extended in the early 14th century. The central crossing was partially rebuilt in the perpendicular style in the 15th century, during which time the main range of the abbot's house was also constructed. The western range of the abbot's house was completed shortly before the abbey's dissolution. Excavations in 1937 revealed the L-shaped abbot's house and parts of the cloister, although the church's foundations had been removed.
Later Ownership and Present Day
After its dissolution, Notley Abbey passed through various hands. By the 18th century, it had been converted to a farmhouse. The abbot's house and portions of the cloister were preserved and later regenerated in 1890. In 1944, the renowned actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh purchased the remnants of the abbey, using it as their home and a venue for social gatherings and film shoots until they sold it in 1960. Since 2006, Notley Abbey has been owned by Bijou Wedding Venues and is now primarily used as a venue for weddings and private events.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Notley Abbey founded?
Notley Abbey was founded between 1154 and 1164. This places its establishment in the mid-12th century.
What religious order was Notley Abbey a part of?
Notley Abbey was an Augustinian abbey, meaning it housed Augustinian canons. The order aimed to fuse monastic and apostolic lifestyles, though the monastic aspect became dominant.
Who were some notable former owners of Notley Abbey?
Following its dissolution, the abbot's house and part of the cloister were preserved. Later, the famous actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh purchased the remains of the abbey in 1944 and resided there until 1960.
What is Notley Abbey used for today?
Today, the remnants of Notley Abbey are owned by Bijou Wedding Venues. The site is hired out for private weddings and events.
What historical figures visited or stayed at Notley Abbey?
Notley Abbey hosted notable visitors, including Henry IV, who stayed there after the battle of Radcot Bridge, and Henry V.
What is known about the architecture of Notley Abbey?
The abbey was initially built in Romanesque style, with later additions in Early English or transitional styles, and perpendicular style for parts of the abbot's house. Excavations in 1937 revealed the L-shaped abbot's house and parts of the claustral buildings, though the church foundations were largely lost.
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