Titchfield Abbey::
- Where Hampshire, England PO15 5RA
- Telephone +44(0)1424 775705
- Access Located 1/2 mile north of Titchfield, off the A27
- Open Every day except Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1;
- Hours April through September, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; October through mid March , 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission free
- Free Guided Tours 3 p.m. Saturdays in August
- Visit the website
- Find a Fareham hotel near Titchfield Abbey
A 13th Century Abbey to Explore:
Titchfield Abbey was founded by the Bishop of Winchester, following the Rule of the Premonstratensian Order, founded by St. Norbert in Premontre, Picardy, France. The order dressed in white and during the middle ages, they were known as the White Canons.
Titchfield Abbey was founded by the Bishop of Winchester, following the Rule of the Premonstratensian Order, founded by St. Norbert in Premontre, Picardy, France. The order dressed in white and during the middle ages, they were known as the White Canons.
During the 300 years the Abbey existed, before Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, it was a frequent royal stopover. After their wedding in Southwick, King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou continued their celebrations at the Abbey. Richard II and Henry V also stopped in to pray on their way to wars in France.
So What's the Shakespearean Connection?:
After the dissolution of the monasteries between 1538 and 1541, the Abbey was acquired by the Earls of Southampton. Henry Wriothesley, the 3rd Earl of Southampton was one of Shakespeare's most important patrons. It is likely that Shakespeare visited Southampton's Titchfield estates and wrote some of The Sonnets in the Abbey itself, which had become a gatehouse to the estate. There is much speculation that the young man to whom Shakespeare's sonnets were addressed was The 3rd Earl of Southampton.
After the dissolution of the monasteries between 1538 and 1541, the Abbey was acquired by the Earls of Southampton. Henry Wriothesley, the 3rd Earl of Southampton was one of Shakespeare's most important patrons. It is likely that Shakespeare visited Southampton's Titchfield estates and wrote some of The Sonnets in the Abbey itself, which had become a gatehouse to the estate. There is much speculation that the young man to whom Shakespeare's sonnets were addressed was The 3rd Earl of Southampton.
What is there to see today?: The Abbey is preserved by English Heritage as one of England's Ancient Monuments. Very little is left but you can walk around the ruins to get a sense of 13th century monastic life and you can see the monks' elaborate system of Medieval fish ponds, created by diverting water from the Meon.
Titchfield itself is a pleasant village near Fareham, and Southampton, with two very good pubs - The Mill at Titchfield and The Fisherman's Rest. Porchester Castle, another English Heritage property and a fascinating, ancient coastal fortification, is also nearby.
Where can I find out more?:
English Heritage, a semi-governmental organisation, part supported by membership dues and visitors admission fees, protects and promotes England's historic heritage. Their interactive website has more information about Titchfield Abbey as well as other historic properties and scheduled events all over England.
English Heritage, a semi-governmental organisation, part supported by membership dues and visitors admission fees, protects and promotes England's historic heritage. Their interactive website has more information about Titchfield Abbey as well as other historic properties and scheduled events all over England.
Are tickets expensive?: Many English Heritage sites are actually free. But if you think you may want to see a number of sites during your visit, you should consider either the Great British Heritage Pass, or the English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass, both of which offer overseas visitors substantial savings on admissions to UK historic sites, museums and visitor attractions.
