St Michael's Abbey, Farnborough

St Michael's Abbey in Farnborough is a working Benedictine monastery in Hampshire, southern England, and the burial place of the Bonaparte imperial family on British soil. Its crypt holds Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie and their son, the Prince Imperial. The abbey church is listed Grade I on the National Heritage List for England.

Why are the Bonapartes buried in Farnborough?

When the Second French Empire collapsed in 1870, Napoleon III went into exile in England, where he died three years later. The couple's only son was killed in 1879 while serving with British forces in the Zulu War. Eugénie, who stayed in England, decided to build a church and family tomb at Farnborough. The church went up in 1886-87 to designs by the French architect G. H. A. Destailleur, and monastic buildings were added so that a community of monks could look after the tombs. That community began as Premonstratensian canons, later became Benedictine, and gained abbey status in 1903.

What will you see?

The church is built in a late French Gothic style: a single-aisle nave with no side aisles, short transepts, an apsidal east end and an octagonal tower over the crossing. The adjoining monastic buildings are listed Grade II.

The highlight is the Imperial Crypt, where the sarcophagi of Napoleon III and the Prince Imperial stand, along with Eugénie's tomb. The abbey is also known for its liturgy, its pipe organ, and its liturgical printing and publishing. The community belongs to the English Province of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation. The church also houses a pontifically crowned image of Saint Joseph.

How can you visit?

The crypt can be seen on a guided tour. According to the abbey's website, a tour of the church and Imperial Crypt starts every Saturday at 3 pm, lasts about an hour and ends in the monastery shop. No booking is needed, and the gates open automatically at 2.45 pm. A minimum donation of 7 pounds per person is requested, and children go free. Other times, including group visits, are arranged with the abbey by phone (01252 546105, weekdays 10 am to 4 pm).

The address is 280 Farnborough Road, Farnborough GU14 7NQ. Check with the abbey before travelling, as times can change and extra tours are sometimes offered during the Rushmoor Heritage Festival.

When should you go?

Saturday afternoon is the safest bet, because that is when the regular guided tour runs. This is a place of prayer, so keep your voice low and dress respectfully. Allow about an hour for the tour, plus a little time for the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see Napoleon III's tomb?

Yes. The sarcophagi of Napoleon III and the Prince Imperial are in the Imperial Crypt, which you can enter on the guided tour.

Do I need to book?

Not for the Saturday 3 pm tour. For any other time, arrange a visit with the abbey in advance.

How much does it cost?

The abbey asks for a minimum donation of 7 pounds per person. Children are free.

Is the abbey a listed building?

Yes. The abbey church is Grade I listed and the monastic buildings are Grade II listed.