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NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!
At one end,
Ruins of a 13th century Cistercian Abbey; at the other, a Military Cemetery
tucked in the middle -
a Victorian Village and the ghosts of its former
Military Hospital!
Welcome to the Past Lives and Times of
NETLEY VILLAGE and HOSPITAL
Let the memories live on!
Here's the Search Box. As it's free, it will give you results for other sites as well as this one, sorry!
Before you get to the really interesting stuff ... some "housekeeping/need-to-know" blurb!
Please note that I am an independent researcher with no direct connection to any of the Local History Societies or the Royal Chapel Team at the Royal Victoria Country Park.
The contents and design of this website have been researched and created by me,
including finding the sources stated and as such are subject to copyright.
If you want to share my research elsewhere, you must ask for my permission first and be happy to
credit this website as one of your sources.
The majority of the newspaper articles are courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive/FMP.
Sources are in black print, underlined, beneath the relevant article
If a word or phrase is in this colour, you should be able to click on it and it
will open on a new tab and let you return to the previous one when you're ready!
Shared Hospital Stories
These have now been removed from the website pending the publication of my book -
"Unforgotten Lives at Netley Hospital"
It contains the majority of the Shared Hospital Stories which were on this website
plus other stories taken from our Netley Military Hospital Names' database.
Its retail price is £12.99 (plus P+P where applicable) and can be ordered directly from me.
I'm waiting for a new current account so payment can be done by Bacs.
I'm also hoping to list it on Apple Books to help my overseas sources buy their copy!
All profits will be donated to Alzheimer's Research UK
The Book Signing event on 27 April is cancelled - sorry!
The Printers have now said they cannot confirm the book will be available in time.
This Event will still take place at the Hound Local History Society's History Room
at Netley Train Station hopefully during May - we will confirm the date as soon as possible.
My friend, Justine of Greenfield Sites has offered to "live stream" it!
To give more space back to Netley Village, I've given the Hospital its own page again.
Please see
Netley Military Hospital Names for info on the Hospital
The Prince Consort Hotel
Some stories along the Timeline of the Pub/Inn 1843 - 1939
Built about 1843 on behalf of Mr Robert Beck, formerly a Bookseller and Stationer in
Fleet Street, London, as the “Army + Navy Hotel”, it changed its name when Queen Victoria
and her husband, Prince Albert came to Netley to lay the foundation stone of the
Royal Victoria Military Hospital in 1863.
During this visit, the Royal couple stayed at Netley Cliff House which was situated opposite the Pub.
The Prince Consort Inn/Hotel has over the years played a central role in the Village of Netley Abbey.
The newspaper added a later article confirming that the License application had been successful.
“Morris and Bruce are favoured with instructions from the Executors of the late James Budden Esq to sell by auction at the Prince Consort Hotel on 11/04/1866 - a compact and desirable property consisting of five recently erected eight-roomed Dwelling Houses …”
Hampshire Chronicle 07/04/1866
“A meeting was held at the Prince Consort Inn on Tuesday 27/10/1903 for the purpose of forming
a chess club for Netley Abbey and District. Matches and tournaments will be arranged and
the club will have the use of a separate room.”
Hampshire Advertiser 31/10/1903
Click here to read about other clubs and activities which took place in the Village in years gone by
“A large muster of Licensed holders met at the Central Club Rooms on Tuesday, 24/10/1933 to partake in 'ye ancient game of bungs'. Representatives from the Sun Inn, Manor, Roll Call, Prince Consort, Netley Victoria and Central Clubs attended, the party numbering about 100 keen enthusiasts.
Some excellent throwing was seen.
The knock out competition was brought about through the hard working Secretary, Mr H Dowe
and was done to try to revive the old Bung League.”
Hampshire Telegraph 27/10/1933
Mr Percy B Ingoldby (Southampton County Coroner), assisted by a jury, opened the inquest at the Prince Consort Inn on two accident victims on Monday 24/04/1939.
The accident took place on the main Southampton - Portsmouth road at Bursledon on 22/04/1939.
The victims were Alice Mary Morris, aged 26 and Stanley Hayward, 30.
Their bodies were removed by the police to the mortuary at the Prince Consort Inn.
Western Gazette 28/04/1939
Past Proprietors of the Prince Consort Hotel -
Robert Beck: 1843 - 1861;
George Harding: 1871 - 1889;
Amelie Dadart: 1889 - 1895;
H S Hallett: 1907 - 1925
Albert Edward Knight: 1931 - 1946
William George Spencer: 1954
If you can fill in the gaps or bring it up to date, please let me know via Contact Me.
What's On in Netley Village in April through the years?
Fancy Dress Ball
The fancy dress ball held at the Netley British Legion Hall on Wednesday evening was a great success,
200 being present.The hall was prettily decorated, the fancy costumes were effective and novel.
The prizes were awarded by ballot to the following -
Ladies 1. Miss Taylor; 2. Mrs Allen;
Gentlemen 1. Mr J Luck; 2. Mr Hales.
The music was excellent and Mr F Pike was an efficient MC.
Portsmouth Evening News 13/04/1923
The Anzac Graves
Sunday 25 April being near Anzac Day, the Parish Council arranged, through the Vicar Rev W E Henty-Summers, to make their annual procession to the Royal Victoria Hospital Cemetery in order to lay wreaths and flowers on the 95 graves of Overseas Heroes therein laid to rest.
The British Legion and Scouts were represented.
Hampshire Telegraph 01/05/1925
National Deposit Friendly Society - Dance and Social
To celebrate the winning of the “Extention Challenge Cup” the members of Netley Abbey District NDFS thoroughly enjoyed a successful dance and social at the Jubilee Hall on Monday last week.
About 120 members and friends attended.
Songs were rendered by Miss Dicker, Mrs Nethersole and Mr Vibert.
Hampshire Telegraph 23/04/1926
New Bell Ropes - "Social"
A “social” was held on Tuesday at the Reading Room, Old Netley in aid of providing new bell ropes
for St Edward’s Church. Songs were sung by Mrs Long, Miss Dicker and Mr H Gillard.
Hampshire Telegraph 23/04/1926
Whist Drive
The affiliated Netley Boys’ Club held their first whist drive at the Netley Victoria Club in aid of
Club funds. Mr Freemantle acted as MC.
The prize winners were Mrs Pressey, Mrs Nethersole, Mrs Strong, J R Iles, A Castleman and F Howells.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post, 24/04/1931
Carnival Dance
The Hants and Dorset Motor Services (Netley Depot) employees’ Social Club held a Carnival Dance
at the Legion Hall on Monday evening which attracted about 290 persons.
Popular music was ably supplied by the Rascals Dance Band.
It was a most happy and successful occasion.”
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 24/04/1931
Cunard's Queen Mary
On Friday, Netley Foreshore was crowded with visitors and residents to see the Queen Mary as she steamed up to Southampton Dock. Netley had never parked so many cars.
The Pier at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley was crowded with members of the staff and patients
who cheered the great ship as she glided past. A fine view of her was obtained.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post, 03/04/1936
Click on Village Activities to read more about Netley Village's Social Life
This postcard was addressed to -
Miss Eileen Capon
"Avondale"
Waverley Avenue
Netley Abbey
- from her Dad
There is sadly no date on it but we know
that the Capon Family lived at 1 Avondale Villas between 1920 - 1940.
The 1921 Census shows -
Sergeant Frederick Marshall Capon, Service No 19939, RAMC, born 1887 in Camberwell, London;
his wife Annie, nee Deacon, born 1883; Daughters Eileen Patricia, born 1912 and Elfreda Pamela
born 1919; both in Hound.
Lankester + Crook opened their Cafe on the ground floor of the Oddfellows Hall
on the corner of New Road and Station Road.
Village Hatches, Matches and Despatches in April!
On 08 April 1888, the wife of B Douglas, Abbey Hill had a son.
London Daily News 11/04/1888
On the 20 April 1892 at St Edward’s Church, Netley by the Rev Wyndham, Frederick Hubbard RN,
to Caroline Jessie Langton, only daughter of Joseph Saunders, late RN, Forest View, Netley Abbey.
Hampshire Telegraph 23/04/1892
The marriage took place between Mr J C G Longmore, Army Service Corps, second son of
Sir Thomas Longmore, CB and Lady Longmore of the Paddock, Woolston to Miss Nita Davis, younger daughter of the late Mr F Davis and Mrs Davis, Netley Abbey.
Hampshire Advertiser County Newspaper 24/04/1897
On Saturday, 20 April 1918, the wedding took place at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey between Lt Norman Mitchell RNVR and Miss Frederica Roots, 3rd daughter of Mr + Mrs Roots
of Abbey Hill, Netley Abbey.
Hampshire Advertiser 27/04/1918
On Easter Monday, the wedding took place at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey of
Miss Florence Ivy Mary Hunt, the youngest daughter of Mr + Mrs Fred Hunt of Grange Road,
Netley Abbey and Mr Reginald Charles Reed of Salisbury.
The bride’s sister, Miss Margaret Elaine Hunt and the bridegroom’s sister, Miss Kathleen Reed
were both bridesmaids. The bridegroom’s brother, Mr George Reed, was Best Man.
The bride’s cousin, Mr Maurice Hinxman was the organist.
Hampshire Telegraph 25/04/1930
At St Matthew’s Church, Southampton on Easter Monday, the marriage took place between the
eldest daughter of Mr + Mrs E Rofe of Southampton (bride’s name unmentioned!) and
Mr Raymond Gould, only surviving son of Mr + Mrs H H Gould, 5 Waverley Avenue, Netley Abbey.
The Bride’s sister Miss Ruby Rofe, the Bridegroom’s sister Miss Eileen Gould and cousins of the bridegroom, Misses Gertie and Phyllis Cook were amongst the bridesmaids.
The Best Man was Mr Robert Grey. The Reception was at Haig Hall, Carlton Terrace.
Hampshire Telegraph 25/04/1930
The wedding at St Edward’s Church (by special licence) took place on Tuesday 15 April 1930 of
Miss Ivy May Gillard, youngest daughter of Mr + Mrs Martin Gillard, 76 Butlocks Heath, Netley Abbey
and Mr Basil George Grindell of HMS Tribune, Portsmouth.
Ivy Georgina Grey (niece of the bride) and Pamela Baker (friend) were bridesmaids.
Mr Harold Gillard (the bride’s brother) was Best Man. The bride had been a member of St Mary’s Hound Choir. The Organist was Mrs Ross.
Hampshire Telegraph, 25/04/1930
A quiet wedding was celebrated at St. Edward's Church on Saturday, when Miss Norah Penney, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Penney, 5, Butlock's Heath, Netley Abbey, was the bride, and
Mr Leslie Wilson, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Tiverton, Yorkshire, was the bridegroom.
Hampshire Telegraph 21/03/1933
A very pretty double wedding af local Interest was solemnized at St. Edward's Church, on
Saturday, April 15. The brides were the two youngest daughters of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hamerton,
Glenrosa, Station Road, Netley Abbey.
Miss Marion Hamerton married Mr. Ronald Edward Montague, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Montague,
East Lodge, Hartley Avenue, Highfield, Southampton, and Miss Freda M. Hamerton to Mr. Philip Alfred Barber, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barber, Laurel Road, Woolston.
Hampshire Telegraph 21/04/1933
The wedding took place at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey on 20 April 1935 between
Miss Rosina L Ware, eldest daughter of Mr + Mrs A J Ware of 45 Hunt Avenue, Netley Abbey and
Mr David Adams of Woolston. The brother of the bridegroom, Mr Sidney Adams, was Best Man.
The bride’s father is the Secretary of the Central Club where the Reception was held.
Hampshire Telegraph 26/04/1935
A very pretty wedding of local interest was celebrated at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey on
Tuesday 14 April 1936. The bridegroom was Mr John A W Knight, only son of Mr and Mrs A E Knight
of Prince Consort, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey and the Bride, Miss Emily Audrey Taylor,
youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Bert Taylor, Pine Grove, Thornhill, Bitterne.
The Bridesmaids were - Miss May Taylor (bride’s sister); Miss Molly Munslow (bride’s cousin); Miss Sheila Sleeman (bridegroom’s cousin); Miss Thelma Sleeman (bridegroom’s cousin); Miss Paddy Chaplain (friend).
The Rev W E Henty Summers officiated. Mr Harry Low was the Best Man and the organist was
Mr W Hammond. The reception was held at the Netley Abbey Central Club.
Hampshire Telegraph 17/04/1936
A picturesque wedding was celebrated at St. Edward's Church on Saturday, April 18, the bride
being Miss Violet May French, only daughter of Mr and Mrs French, 55 Victoria Road, Netley Abbey,
and the bridegroom Mr MacDonald, son of Mr and Mrs McDonald, 12 St Anne's Road. Woolston.
The bride was given away by her father. She was attired in a gown of heavy oyster satin, draped shirt and short train. Her veil was hand embroidered with silver and a halo of silver leaves and pleated net.
She was attended by one bridesmaid, Miss Winnifred McDonald (sister of bridegroom), who wore
a gown of pink floral chiffon and large crinoline hat, and carried a posy of pink carnations.
The duties of Best Man were carried out by Mr E French (brother of bride).
The officiating clergyman was the Vicar (the Rev W E Henty Summers).
A merry peal of bells rang out as the happy pair left the church.
A reception was held at the bride's home. The bride and bridegroom who subsequently left for the honeymoon (which is being spent at Highcliffe), were the recipients of numerous and useful presents.
Hampshire Telegraph 24/04/1936
On 14 April 1941, D Wozencroft was married at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey.
The Fire Brigade's Bedford and Wilys Tender was used to bring the Wedding Party from the
Church to the Jubilee Hall on New Road, Netley
15 Firemen attended the Service and formed an archway of fire axes.
Ken Ford’s History of the Netley Abbey Fire Brigade
E F C Andrews, only son of Mr + Mrs E G Andrews of Chez Nous Station Road married Miss E M Bristow, younger daughter of Mr + Mrs E M Bristow of Widcombe, Bath.
The couple’s future address will be Westwood, Abbey Hill.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 10/04/1943
At St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey on Saturday, the wedding took place of Miss Ruth Mary Daniels,
only daughter of Mr + Mrs E Daniels, Hound Lodge, Netley Abbey to Sgt Douglas James Finlayson, RAMC, only son of Captain and Mrs P Finlayson of the Roebuck Inn, Warwick, late of the RVH.
The Matron of Honour was Mrs Teresa Dawkins. A cousin of the bridegroom, Aircraftsman,
Cyril John Gould of the Fleet Air Arm acted as Groomsman and Messrs Arthur Fudge and Stanley Foyle
as Ushers. The Rev W Beech officiated.
Mr + Mrs Finlayson will reside at Hound Lodge, Netley Abbey.
Captain Finlayson (the Bridegroom’s father) has been a PoW since 1940.
Warwick + Warwickshire Advertiser 21/04/1944
Mrs J Foote, a deeply respected and loved resident of Waverley Avenue, passed away on Sunday morning 30 April 1922, quietly though suddenly.
Hampshire Telegraph and Post, 05/05/1922
Much sympathy has been expressed in the village for the relatives of the late Mrs Stephenson who passed away on Friday after a long illness. She was buried at Hound on Monday.
Hampshire Telegraph 23/04/1926
Mr James Michie of Colenso, Station Road passed away at the Royal South Hants + Southampton Hospital early on Sunday morning. The deceased was transferred from the boat “Olympic” on which he had been employed since the end of the war. He was an Army Pensioner having served in the RAMC.
Hampshire Telegraph 02/05/1930
Great sympathy has been extended to Mrs Bass and her daughter in their recent bereavement.
QMS Bass passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital last week after a short illness at the early age of 42. He will be greatly missed by the Netley Angling Club.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post, 04/04/1934
Mr. W. Potter, of Oxford and Cambridge Terrace, Station Road. passed away at his residence
on Tuesday April 21 after three months' illness and much suffering. He was 65 years of age.
He leaves a widow and grown up family, for whom great sympathy is expressed.
The widow has been an invalid for several years.
Hampshire Telegraph 24/04/1936
The funeral of Mr Albert Edgar Iles, who met with a fatal accident, took place at St Mary’s Churchyard
on Thursday 23 April. The chief mourners were his brothers, Alfred, William Edward and
Thomas Roland Iles, his Aunt, Mrs Russell, Fiancee Miss B Slee, his sister-in-law, Mrs W E Iles.
Mr Iles who was in the RAF was shortly to be married.
He passed away on Monday 20 April.
Hampshire Telegraph 01/05/1936
Built in 1892 when Grange Road was Grange Lane!
Past Residents include -
1892 - 1927 Joseph Samuel Sellwood, his wife Caroline and Family
(Joseph was a Gardener to the Pennington Family at the Lake House)
1921 - 1940 Walter Amos Earwicker, his wife Louise and Family
(Walter was a School Teacher at Butlock Heath County School)
Click on Netley Castle to read more about this fantastic building and its history!
From Cistercian Abbey Ruins at one end, through Netley Abbey Village to the Royal Victoria Hospital ...
