The Cistercian order was found in 1098 in France in Citeaux by St. Robert. It required vows of pverty, chastity and silence. Food and clothing was the product of their own labour. The life of the choir monk was one of discipline, routine, work, private prayer, study, meal times and sleep.

The first Abbot of Beaulieu was Hugh. The founder granted it a rich endowment, including land in the New Forest, corn, money, one hundred and twenty cows, twelve bulls, a golden chalice, and an annual tun of wine.

Beaulieu Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1204 on land that was made a gift to them by King John. It was one of three founded by him. King John supposedly was compelled by a nightmare in which he was beaten by monks who were angered by his oppression of their community. It was the site of a royal hunting lodge and had the name 'Bellus Locus Regis' which neans 'the beautiful place of the King'. The monks change the name to 'Beaulieu'

In medieval times, when the Abbey was an important Cistercian monastery, the monks would have provided hospitality to visitors. Indeed, by the 15th century when the monks' numbers had dwindled, the Domus was adapted to accommodate important guests.

Although much was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, there is still much for visitors to see today.

Beaulieu Abbey may have looked like this when it was complete.

The picture was based on the based archaeological excavations of Harold Brakspear and William St John Hope around 1900 and the drawings of Ferdinand Fissi around 1911.

The upstairs has timbered ceiling with a series of embroidered wall hanging created by Belinda, Lady Montagu.

The Abbey Door

Info submitted by Robby Robinson