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Stoneleigh Abbey
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
Stoneleigh Abbey is a magnificent stately home that grew out of the remains of a 12th century abbey. The story of Stoneleigh goes back to 1154, when Henry II granted land here to a group of Cistercian monks. The monks began building Stoneleigh Abbey in 1155, and lived here until the abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1535.
Four years later the abbey was granted to the Duke of Suffolk, however, in 1561 it was sold jointly to Sir Rolan Hill and Sir Thomas Leigh. The Leigh family have been owners of Stoneleigh ever since. Stoneleigh was a ruin in 1561, but under the ownership of the second Thomas Leigh the old monastic buildings were transformed into the beginnings of the great house we see today.
The greatest transformation, however, was to take place under the aegis of Thomas, 3rd Lord Leigh. Lord Leigh undertook a 'grand tour' of the continent in 1710, and when he returned he was full of enthusiasm to create an English version of some of the grand classical architecture he had seen on his travels. He was aided in his ambition by a marriage to a wealthy heiress, and his wife's money helped finance the building of the great West Wing, which took six years to complete. This was done to the design of architect Francis Smith of Warwick, and it is considered Smith's greatest work.
Chief among the interior rooms is the Saloon, a marvellous chamber with a plasterwork ceiling in Rococo style, depicting the Labours of Hercules. Further fine plasterwork decoration can be found in the light and airy chapel, which was used by Jane Austen as her model for Sotherton Court chapel in her novel Mansfield Park. Austen gained her inspiration when she visited Stoneleigh in 1806, and readers will readily recognize Stoneleigh from her description of Sotherton in the book. She also drew upon the family history of the Leighs to add colour to her story. Special Jane Ausen guided tours let visitors retrace Austen's steps and see Stoneligh through her eyes.
Finally, the former Morniing Room is furnished as it was for the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1858, with white and gold furniture made especially for the occasion.
Attention of later Leighs turned to the landscape surrounding the house. In 1809 Humphrey Repton was asked to create a design for a new landscape garden Much of Repton's design was never implemented, but the course of the River Avon was altered to create a lake with an island south of the house.
Further additions to Stoneleigh include a classical stone bridge designed by John Rennie, and a Tudor Gothic stable and riding school designed by CS Smith. This is almost a grand house in itself, full of battlements and turrets, arches and towers. Smith was also responsible for the new Long Corridor.
Lest all this talk of 18th and 19th century grandeur make you forget that Stoneleigh was a medieval abbey, there is still the abbey gatehouse to see. This was built by Abbot Robert de Hockele in 1346, and is almost entirely a 14th century structure.
The ownership of the estate is now in the hands of a charitable trust, under which the house has undergone a major restoration.
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire,
England, CV8 2LF
About Stoneleigh Abbey
Attraction Type: Historic House
Location: On the B4115. Discount to English Heritage members. Seasonal opepening, usually Good Friday to the end of October, but check first. Jane Austen tours twice weekly.
Website: Stoneleigh Abbey
Location
map
OS SP320712
Photo Credit: Stoneleigh Abbey
Heritage Highlight: Magnificent 18th century saloon with plasterwork ceiling
Heritage Rating:  ?
Nearest Accommodation to Stoneleigh Abbey
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 Octavia -
6.2
miles from Stoneleigh Abbey
Mousley End, Warwickshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £295 |
 Viola -
6.2
miles from Stoneleigh Abbey
Mousley End, Warwickshire
Sleeps: 6
Stay from: £445 |
 Bianca -
6.2
miles from Stoneleigh Abbey
Mousley End, Warwickshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £395 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Kenilworth
Tourist Information Centre
Kenilworth Library
11 Smalley Place
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
England
CV8 1QJ
Tel: 01926 748 900
Fax: 01926 748 901
Email: kenilworthlibrary@warwickshire.gov.uk
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