Netley Castle

Netley Castle seen from the Isle of Wight ferry.... more

by Terri Waters

Title

Netley Castle

Artist

Terri Waters

Medium

Photograph

Description

Netley Castle seen from the Isle of Wight ferry.
Netley Castle is flanked on the one side by the ruins of Netley Abbey and on the other by the Royal Victoria Country Park.
The oldest part of Netley retains the feel of an old fashioned and quaint village with some traditional small shops and rows of colourful terrace cottages. It is located along the shore of Southampton Water with a shingle beach and Weston Sailing Village nearby.
Netley Castle started life as the gatehouse to the Cistercian Netley Abbey.
In early 1536, the abbey was closed by King Henry VIII.
The King construct a castle which would become one of his southern coastal forts to defend Southampton Water from a French attack and possible invasion.
The gatehouse of the abbey was used as the basis for the castle which was built between 1540 and 1542.
Netley Castle changed hands many times, it’s stonework used for other projects and it was redeveloped with the addition of Gothic towers and a second floor added until it became a private residence with it has to be said one of the most stunning views across Southampton Water. Gardens, tennis courts, palm houses and stables were added, the whole encompassing 27 acres by the time it came for sale in 1881 and was bought by Sir Henry Chriton who was Brigadier General of the Hampshire Infantry Brigade. It remained in his family until 1939 when it became a convalescent home until the 1990’s when the grounds had been reduced to three acres as parts were sold off to help the ever increasing financial problems. It has since been redeveloped and is now, once again a private residence.

Uploaded

October 9th, 2014