Stoneleigh Abbey and Park

Stoneleigh Abbey and Park

Stoneleigh CV8 2LF. What 3 Words firm.visits.these.

24 th September 2025 at 2.00pm

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 showing 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
brought with it a connection to his cousin, 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.

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