Newstead Abbey, home of Lord Byron

Please note: This is a new page under construction. Details are subject to review and possible amendment, and it is hoped to add photos as time permits (April 2008)
Newstead Abbey is a beautiful historic house set in more than 300 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland. The main entrance gate can be found approximately seven miles to the North on the A60 Nottingham to Mansfield Road, and is well signposted. The landscape owes much of its beauty to the River Leen, which feeds the lakes, ponds and cascades in the ornament gardens. Some of these water features are believed to have medieval origins as monastic stew ponds, in which fish were bred for food. One of these is the Eagle Pond, lying at the centre of the Great Garden . Near the Eagle Pond is the poet Byron's famous monument to his favourite dog, Boatswain, who died of rabies in 1808. This monument stands on the spot which Byron believed to have been occupied by the High Altar of the priory church Admission prices range from as little as £3 for a day visit to the gardens, and with season tickets starting at £30 for two (seniors). Full list of prices is displayed on the Newstead pages. Dogs are allowed in the Grounds, providing they are kept on a lead
Newstead Abbey, best known as the former home of the poet Lord Byron, was originally an Augustinian priory founded by Henry II in about 1170. A small religious community existed there until Henry VIII dissolved the monastery in 1539, before granting it to the poet's ancestor, Sir John Byron, who converted the priory into a house for his family.	Newstead remained a private country house until 1931, when it was then presented to the Nottingham City Corporation for the public to enjoy (though it is located in the county and not the city). Nottingham City Council are now responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Newstead.
The Gardens date mainly from the 19th century, and include the Fern Garden, Rockery, Sub-Topical Garden, Spanish Garden and Japanese Garden. There is a spectacular herbaceous border in the Great Garden created in about 1870. Recently restored, the 720-foot long border now provides a brilliant display throughout the summer months.	The Japanese Garden , with its authentic stone ornaments is recognised as one of the finest examples of this type of garden in Britain . The Rose Garden was first set out in 1965 on the site of a Victorian kitchen garden. This peaceful walled garden has recently been restored
A programme of conservation and repair work is urgently required to ensure that the West Front (dating from 1274) remains a Nottinghamshire landmark for generations to come. This wall, with its exquisite carvings of birds, animals and foliage, crowned by a statue of the Virgin, is suffering from the effects of weather and pollution, which continue to cause considerable, and cumulative, damage.	English Heritage placed the West Front on its Buildings at Risk register in 1998, indicating the level of concern over this scheduled monument. There is an urgent need of funds (April 2008) for this conservation and money from ticket sales will assist in this work. So why not pay a visit?
Full details, including opening times, and much more comprehensive information – can be found at the Abbeys own web site http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk


The herbaceous border at Newstead	Scamp takes a rest by The Great Pond



Why not adopt a stone? Restoration work on the West Front will take 10 years to complete and the estimated cost is £1.3 million. Donations are being sought in order to help fund this project. Individuals or organisations can help by joining the 'Adopt a Stone scheme'. The scheme gives the opportunity to dedicate a stone to celebrate a birth, wedding, engagement or a loved one. Each donor receives an adoption certificate acknowledging their support and dedication and will be given a mention on the Abbeys web site. A 'Book of Adopters' is also on permanent display at the Abbey. More detailed information on their Web Site - just follow the link from there. Then click on a section of the West Front to see the availability and ‘price’ of a stone.