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Pictures of Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens

a Historic Building in the town of Mottisfont, in the county of Hampshire

Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire

About Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens

Mottisfont Abbey is beautifully set on green lawns amidst vast old trees, it is bounded on one side by the rich water-meadows of the River Test.

Originally, a Priory of the Austin Canons was set up here at the start of the 13th century. It was known as the Priory of the Holy Trinity. This was not a large order and in the 14th and 15th centuries it suffered from lack of money, with its fortunes being further depleted by the Black Death, a squalid disease that wiped out people within a week. At the time of the 15th century, money was so short that the Priory could only maintain three canons.

In 1536 the Priory was suppressed. William, Lord Sandys, Lord Chamberlain to Henry VIII received it from the king in return for the villages of Chelsea and Paddington. Lord Sandys already owned The Vyne, near Sherbourne St.John, but at this time he had a desire to live at Mottisfont.

Lord Sandys demolished most of the Priory living quarters and transformed the nave of the church together with the wings over the old cellarium and chapter house, thus shaping a wonderful, habitable mansion out of the old buildings. The result was a building of almost "E" shape, but minus the middle bar of the letter. The north front is the entire length of the nave, ending with a truncated tower where the arch leading into the north transept is outlined in the facade.

Towards the middle of the 17th century the last of the Sandys descendants died. In 1648, ownership of Mottisfont Abbey passed to the Mill Family. Sir Richard Mill made further changes to the house in the 1740's, transforming it from a Tudor Mansion into a comfortable Georgian residence of fashion.

Much of the old Priory can still be seen, various details exist from the 12th and 13th centuries, there is an interesting old stone pulpit decorated with stone shields, also there is the remarkable 13th century undercroft to the monks cellarium where graceful stone columns support a magnificent vaulted ceiling. The mullioned windows to the ground floor survive as original, but the upper floor is inserted with sash windows. A later feature is the handsome stable block of 1836.

In the 20th century Mottisfont Abbey was acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Russell. They moved into the house around 1934. At this time they instructed the celebrated Rex Whistler to transform the saloon. This he executed with his usual flair, designing a charming Gothic fantasy of trompe l'oeil, with ceiling, walls and curtain pelmets, all delicately painted. This room was Whistlers final work and has proved to be his masterpiece. He was further commissioned to design the furniture, but sadly he died during the Second World War.

Mottisfont Abbey is surrounded by glorious parkland where the visitor can identify mature sycamore's, beeches, walnuts, Spanish chestnuts and cedars. Most of these exist from the former 18th century garden, but many specimens are thought to have been established even before this. With their vast range of colour the trees are just one of the gardens glories. Another is the delightful summerhouse in the Gothic style, dating from the 18th century, it shows medieval floor tiles taken from the Priory.

Between 1936 - 37, Mr and Mrs Russell commissioned Geoffrey Jellicoe to design the paved octagon. He also designed the north lawn with its border of pleached limes. The wisteria and other climbers were added later by Norah Linsey, who was responsible for the lovely box and lavender edged parterre.

The walled kitchen garden was re-designed in 1972, this now houses the National Collection of Old-Fashioned Roses, and is perhaps the gardens most delightful feature. Amongst these are pre-1900 shrub roses, in all there are over 300 varieties, all arranged in box-edged beds around a graceful fountain pool. It is the far side of the garden that is the most historic, here there is the crystal clear spring of "font" which attracted the Austin cannons to the site so very long ago.

Mottisfont Abbey Estate encompasses over 2,000 acres and includes most of Mottisfont village, farmlands and woods. All of this was given to the National Trust in 1957 by Mrs Russell, who for a period continued to live at the house. Eleven years later the Trust were able to acquire Derek Hill's 20th century picture collection.

Despite the availability of only limited rooms to see in the house, Mottisfont in its enchanting setting is still a worthwhile visit, the famous grounds are exceptional and the superb Rex Whistler Room will leave you breathless at its sheer beauty.

The grounds, gardens and Priory ruins are available for public view from April to September. Of the house only three rooms are available including the magnificent Rex Whistler Room. It is worth making initial enquiries as the house has only limited opening.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens.

Planning a visit? Please help support this website by booking your hotels near Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens and uploading your pictures.
Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens

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All attractions in Hampshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens

Totton, in the county of Hampshire (8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction S)
Totton is a small town lying close to Southampton Water with easy access to the picturesque New Forest National Park, making it a desirable place to stay for anyone wishing to explore both coast and countryside.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Wherwell, in the county of Hampshire (9.2 miles, 14.8 km, direction NE)
This enchanting little village boasts a host of thickly thatched, black and white, half timbered cottages,and has a bit of a bloody history.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Winchester, in the county of Hampshire (9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction E)
This is an old town which was a tribal town long before the Romans landed in Britain, under their leadership it flourished to become the 5th largest city in the land, and was later heralded as the capital of King Alfred.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Fritham, in the county of Hampshire (10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction SW)
Fritham is an idyllic New Forest village, which was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is quite off the beaten track in an area where visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere amongst lovely natural surroundings.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Downton, in the county of Wiltshire (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction W)
It is one of Wiltshire's loveliest villages, with the River Avon forming a division between the ancient village and the new.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Minstead, in the county of Hampshire (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction S)
This is a delightful New Forest village which was once described as "the place where Mint grew" it is a beautiful unspoilt place with a church which looks as though it is shaped from a collection of cottages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Southampton, in the county of Hampshire (10.7 miles, 17.3 km, direction SE)
Southampton has many lovely gardens right in the city centre with picnic tables, flower beds and shady walks. In the spring the rhododendrons are a lovely sight.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Salisbury, in the county of Wiltshire (11.8 miles, 18.9 km, direction W)
The soaring grace of Salisbury Cathedral's slender spire rises majestically over the town. Higher than any other in the land, at...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Lyndhurst, in the county of Hampshire (12.1 miles, 19.4 km, direction S)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Breamore, in the county of Hampshire (12.2 miles, 19.7 km, direction SW)
Breamore is one of those beautiful New Forest villages which is populated almost entirely by houses of the Tudor period.
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All towns in Hampshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Dunbridge Station(1.1 miles, 1.7 km)
Romsey Station(3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction SE)
M27 Junction 2(6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction S)
M27 Junction 3(7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction S)
Southampton Airport(10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction SE)
Bournemouth Airport(22.5 miles, 36.2 km, direction SW)
Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens to London(68.7 miles, 110.5 km, direction NE)

Accommodation & Hotels near Mottisfont Abbey & Gardens

Hotel Name
Berties(4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction S)
Grosvenor Hotel(5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction N)
Potters Heron Hotel(5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction SE)
The Shoe Inn(6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction SW)
New Forest Lodge Hotel(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction SW)
Newton Farmhouse(6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction SW)
Chilworth Manor Classic Hotel(7.2 miles, 11.5 km, direction SE)
Lainston House Hotel And The Avenue Restaurant(7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction E)
Express By Holiday Inn Southampton West(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction S)
Holiday Inn Southampton Eastleigh(8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction SE)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts


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