Once
the site of the Abbot of Malmesbury Abbey's garden, the garden today
covers 5 acres, and is located directly beside the historic ruins of
the Abbey. The gardens are built about a 16th century house, and offer
richly colourful garden walks throught the spring, summer, and fall.
The Gardens
One interesting feature is the Knot Garden, an arrangement of formal beds about
a well, shaped like a Celtic cross (see photo), in imitation of St Martins cross
on Iona. It is rumoured that a Celtic monk from Iona was responsible for founding
the Abbey at Malmesbury. Equally unusual is the Dinosaur Grove, planted with trees
that prospered when dinosaurs lived. The extensive rose beds echo the style popular
in Tudor times,
Abbey House The exact
date that Abbey House was built is not known for certain, but it was probably
around 1542, just a few short years fter the Abbey at Malmesbury was dissolved
by Henry VIII. Following the Dissolution, a wealthy merchant named William Stumpe
bought much of the Abbey property, and helped the town buy the Abbey buildings
to serve as the parish church.
Stumpe built Abbey House n the site of the house used by the former
abbots of Malmesbury Abbey. It sems likely that the house was used as
a Governor's residence during the English Civil War. The house was remodelled
and extended in the early 20th century, but the bulk is in its original
state.
What's it like to visit?
We've assembled some of our favourite photos of a recent visit to the
gardens in our Abbey
House Gardens Photo Gallery >>
Contact
Abbey House Gardens
The Abbey House
Malmesbury
Wiltshire
England
SN16 9AS Location: Just off the market square in Malmesbury, beside Malmesbury Abbey
Website:Abbey House Gardens Email:info@abbeyhousegardens.co.uk Phone: 01666 822 212
Fax: 01666 822 782
Location
map
Walnut Lodge is a self-contained timber cabin with private drive, situated on the edge of Sauernatre forest, overlooking garden and open farmland.
Direct access onto footpaths … more >> Sleeps 4
Walnut Lodge is a self-contained timber cabin with private drive, situated on the edge of Sauernatre forest, overlooking garden and open farmland.
Direct access onto footpaths … more >> Sleeps 8
This 17th century 3 star hotel with 68 en suite rooms stands in the centre of Salisbury overlooking the famous Cathedral. An ideal base to visit Stonehenge and the New Forest. 25 miles from Southampton Airport and 1 mile from Salisbury railway and coach station. This completely non-smoking hotel features … more >>
The Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel, is an original 13th Century riverside coaching inn, offering stunning views of Salisbury Cathedral. Following a recent οΎ£3/4m complete hotel update and refurbishment, all the original features of this non-smoking hotel have now been lovingly restored, including the wood panelling and open fire in … more >>
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