A Short History of the Walled Gardens
Step into over 800 years of captivating history at The Walled Gardens of Cannington. Originally established in 1138 as a Benedictine priory, this historic Somerset site has seen it all – from whispered scandals, secret tunnels, and ghostly apparitions to royal visits and multi-million-pound modern renovations.
1138: The Founding of Cannington Priory
Cannington Priory (later Cannington Court) was first established in about 1138 by the De Courcy family – lords of nearby Stogursey. The manor and church were given by Robert De Courcy as the main endowment for a house of Benedictine nuns.
The Priory was home to the daughters of many of Somerset’s leading families. The buildings and gardens have a very long history and have always played an important part in the life of the local community.
1328: Scandals and Secret Tunnels
In the 14th Century there is some evidence of the start of corruption in the Priory. An inquiry in 1328 looked into the illicit wanderings of monks and nuns! It is said that there is a network of tunnels leading from Cannington Court to various spots in the village, which enabled the monks and nuns to meet in secret.
Premises staff at Cannington Centre have identified what appears to be the caved-in remains of a tunnel entrance which seems to suggest a tunnel running beneath the formal lawns in the Walled Garden. The iron bound gates to be found at the entrance to Cannington Court are said to have been erected to keep the nuns in!
1536 – 1672: Dissolution and the Clifford Era
In 1536, the Nunnery was dissolved and the Court was held by Edward Rogers, a Member of Parliament for Somerset.
In 1672, Charles II granted Cannington to Lord Clifford of Chudleigh. By the time the fourth Lord Clifford held the estate it was allowed to fall into disrepair, but was later restored by the fifth Lord Clifford.
1807 – 1917: A Refuge for Nuns & the Industrial School Years
In 1807, the Court became home once again to a community of Benedictine nuns, this time not the daughters of wealthy Somerset families, but nuns expelled from France.
2004: First College Merger and Redevelopment
In 2004, Cannington College merged with Bridgwater College. Since the merger there has been significant investment in facilities and equipment, including the redevelopment of the Walled Gardens.
2009: Royal Opening and Accreditation
In 2009, the Walled Gardens were officially opened by HRH the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward and have also achieved the accreditation of Quality Assured Visitor Attraction from VisitEngland.
As well as ensuring the continuation of a garden on this historic site, the Gardens provide a dynamic learning environment for students, as well as an area of real beauty and interest for visitors. We have every confidence that they will continue to evolve and will prove to be a place that visitors will look forward to returning to time and time again.
2025: Second College Merger
In 2025, Bridgwater & Taunton College merged with Strode College to form UCS College Group.
As a part of this merger, Cannington College regained its name and identity.
…and more to come!
The story of the Walled Gardens of Cannington is far from over.
Just as the seasons change, the gardens are constantly evolving with new planting schemes, seasonal events, and continued enhancements to the visitor experience. With over 800 years of history behind us, we are always looking forward – ensuring that whether it is your first visit or your fiftieth, there will always be fresh inspiration, peaceful corners, and new blooms to discover behind our historic walls.
If you love being outdoors and are interested in plants, Horticulture could be the ideal path for you.
Located within the grounds of a medieval priory, The Walled Gardens of Cannington is an award-winning RHS partner garden that blends classic horticulture with modern design.
The Walled Gardens of Cannington hosts numerous events, including theatre and performances, seasonal events for the family, and National Garden Scheme days.