IT has provided refuge for treacherous rebels and fought closure by maverick monarchs.

These are but a few of the historical happenings that have occurred since King John provided the land to build Beaulieu Abbey 800 years ago.

And yesterday nearly as many people attended an anniversary gathering as years have elapsed since the Royal Charter was granted.

Among the many civic and religious luminaries to attend was Lord Montagu, in whose grounds the Abbey stands, and a group of Cistercian Monks.

It was the Cistercians who set up the monastery at Beaulieu and were later cast out when King Henry VIII declared war with the Catholic Church to pursue his penchant for wives.

With just stones on the ground marking the foundations of the original Abbey before it was destroyed, the surroundings of the outdoor service looked much the same as 800 years ago before construction began.

Crowds enjoyed uninterrupted sunshine throughout the event, also attended by the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Revd Michael Scott-Joynt, and the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Right Revd Crispian Hollis.

Revd Scott-Joynt gave a moving speech during the proceedings in which he called for a return to Christian values.

He said: "The best and most fitting celebration of this anniversary is a fresh response from each of us and the offering of love in every day."

Beaulieu played host to even larger celebrations eight years ago to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the first service held at the church, the short time between the two events highlighting the 42 years it took to build the Abbey.

Rev Terry Abernethy, rector of the parish, was delighted with the turn out.

He said: "It was a wonderful occasion. It was nice to welcome back the Cistercians and Benedictine monks to share on this occasion with the Roman and Anglican bishops and clergy."