Stoneleigh Abbey & Grounds

Originally a Cistercian Abbey dating from 1154, it came into the possession of the Leigh family as a reward for granting hospitality to Charles 1 during the civil war. It remained in the Leigh family until 1990. Much of the present house largely dates from work carried out by builder Francis Smith of Warwick between 1714-1726 in the Baroque style. The Saloon is acknowledged to be one of the great interior spaces of the Georgian era.

In 1808 Reverend Thomas Leigh invited Humphry Repton to Stoneleigh Abbey to suggest improvements to the grounds. For many weeks Repton stayed as a guest of Reverend Leigh. During his stay he would take measurements, paint what he saw and walked the surrounding lands.  He returned the following year, with the Red Book with his recommended improvements and a self-portrait. Most of the improvements were concentrated on the Avon and the land below the south front of the house where the river was widened into a lake to create a mirror pond to be seen from a viewpoint on the far side of the river.  There was also a new drive to the house from the Coventry to Warwick Road with gate lodges. However, many of Repton’s other suggested changes were either altered or ignored following Thomas Leigh’s death in 1813 which effectively ended Repton’s involvement. Subsequent improvements were carried out by James Henry Leigh and his wife Julia. The Reverend Leigh’s inheritance in 1806 had also seen the connection to Jane Austen who fictionalised the house as Southerton in Mansfield Park and featured Repton in the narrative, depicting  an estate in need of remodelling.  

The Abbey and grounds are now a charitable trust. Our visit will begin with a tour of the House, including an opportunity to view Repton’s Red Book. After refreshments, there will be time to explore the Repton grounds which have been the subject of restoration in recent years, including the reflective lake, gazebo and walks. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for outside use, although no boots should be worn for the interiors.

Cost: including admission, tour and tea/coffee and cake is £25.00 for members/£30.00 for non-members.

Directions: Stoneleigh Abbey is located off the A46 on the B4115. Head south on the A46 from the A45/A46 junction. Take the exit signposted Stoneleigh/Warwick Arts Centre. Turn left at the Stoneleigh signpost and then turn right at he B4115 signposted Stoneleigh Abbey & Ashow. After 1.5 miles the Abbey is signposted on the left.

Image attribution: Snowmanradio, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons