The Augustinian Abbey

© NTPL / Nick Meers

The Augustinian priory at Anglesey was built in 1236. The papal chaplain, Master Lawrence of St Nicholas, sold 600 local sheep to pay for construction works.

The fall of the Abbey

© NTPL / Andreas von Einsiedel

Just inside the front porch of the Abbey, a plaque tells how the priory came to an end. It was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, ending over  400 years of religious life on the site.

A family house

© NTPL / J. Whitaker

In the years that followed the disolution of the priory, the site was owned by the Parker family. They embarked on the next significant period in the Abbey's history - turning it into a country home. One family member, Thomas Hobson, was the inspiration behind the phrase 'Hobson's Choice'.

History uncovered

© NTPL / Nick Meers

In 1848, Anglesey Abbey was aquired by the Reverend John Hailstone. He was probably responsible for christening the house 'Anglesey Abbey'. His son was a local historian and in 1873 he wrote what is still the most detailed history of the house. It was during this time that much of the medieval history of the site was revealed.

A place in the country

© NTPL / Andreas von Einsiedel

In 1926, Anglesey Abbey was bought by the first Lord Fairhaven and his brother, Henry Broughton. The brothers were drawn to the area because of its proximity to their stud farm and the Newmarket races. They set about adapting the site into a home and a place for entertaining guests. The brothers employed top London architects to perform the alterations, while taking great pains to retain the original stonework and features of the 12th century priory.

The Abbey today

© NTPL / John Hammond

Anglesey Abbey was entrusted into the care of the National Trust in 1966, upon Lord Fairhaven's death. Anglesey Abbey today is a treasure house of traditional craftsmanship. Lord fairhaven amassed a great collection and garden.