Beaulieu Abbey, located in the New Forest, Hampshire, was founded in 1204 by King John as a Cistercian monastery. Monks from Cîteaux Abbey in France were brought in to establish this religious community, which thrived for over 300 years. The abbey was constructed using materials such as Caen stone and Quarr stone from the Isle of Wight, showcasing the architectural style of its time.
However, the abbey’s existence came to an abrupt end in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. Following its dissolution, Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Earl of Southampton, acquired the estate, repurposing the site and using the abbey’s stone for new constructions, including Palace House. Today, the remaining structures, including the monks’ refectory, serve as a parish church, preserving a glimpse of the site’s rich history.