Farnborough Abbey

Farnborough Abbey (full name Saint Michael’s Abbey) is a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery situated in Farnborough, Hampshire. It was founded in the late 19th century by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, as a mausoleum for her husband following his exile and death. The abbey’s French Gothic architecture reflects its imperial origins and houses the remains of both Napoleon III and their son, the Prince Imperial in the abbey crypt as well as Eugénie. The abbey retains an active monastic community. Our visit will start with a talk from one of the monks covering the abbey and its history. We will then be able to wander between the abbey and crypt on our own to take photographs, inside and outside.

As a point of interest, the abbey was mentioned in the news last October when the Empress’s jewellery (which she sold to fund the abbey) was stolen from The Louvre in Paris.

There is no charge to visit the abbey but they ask for a donation of £7 or more to cover running costs. This will be a private visit so there will be no members of the public present. No particular footwear requirements (but please remember to dress appropriately for the venue). Distance covered will be nominal.

Note: The date for the follow up zoom call has been changed from the one first published