University's 'tough choice' to close manor house

Buckinghamshire New University took ownership of the 16th Century manor house in the 1990s

A university says it has made the "difficult decision" to sell off a manor house that is used as a wedding venue and conference centre.

Missenden Abbey at Great Missenden dates back to 1133 and is owned by Buckinghamshire New University (BNU).

BNU, which recently used the building as a campus for hospitality students, said it would close Missenden Abbey on Sunday 30 November.

It cited "ongoing financial pressures faced by all universities" as the reason for the sale.

A statement on its website said: "BNU is not alone in having to make tough choices in light of these significant challenges, and our strategic focus is on providing the best possible student experience; generating research that positively impacts our communities; and developing the talent within our organisation.

"Despite the best efforts of everyone at both Missenden Abbey and the university, we are unable to retain and manage the site without significant investment that we are sadly unable to afford."

Missenden Abbey has been used for school proms as well as weddings and conferences

The building, which was largely rebuilt as a neo-gothic home in the 19th Century, has also featured in TV programmes including Jack Osbourne's Haunted Homecoming, Naked Attraction and The Gadget Show.

Buckinghamshire County Council previously owned the site and ran it as an adult learning college.

Missenden Abbey is still taking bookings up until the end of November for afternoon tea, celebrations, conferences and filming.

It said anyone with a booking after November would be offered a refund or could move their booking to an earlier date.