Abbot Aston's Virtual Tour

Abbot Walter Aston lived at Hyde Abbey in the 13th century - take a virtual tour of the Abbey through his eyes!

This reconstruction, produced by Hyde900 in partnership with the University of Winchester and narrated by actor Nigel Bradshaw, offers views of the Abbey site that suggest how the monks would have lived, worked and worshipped in the monastery - from the main gate to the high altar and royal graves. 

Welcome to Hyde Abbey – the final resting place of King Alfred the Great. 

It lies just north of the ancient walled city of Winchester and was built in the early 12th century.  

It was one of the largest abbeys in the whole kingdom of England but after more than 400 years, was almost entirely demolished. 

But now we can re-imagine what it was like in its heyday.

My name is Walter de Aston – I was abbot here for more than 20 years in the first half of the 13th century. 

It's going to be my privilege to take you inside and show you round the Abbey so that you can see at first hand its lay-out, the way of life we lead, our work, study and prayer, all lived according to St. Benedict whose rule we followed.