 Anglesey Abbey
Here, on the edge of the Cambridgeshire fens, stands a beautiful Jacobean
house encompassed by 98 acres of magnificent gardens. Originally the
site of a small Augustinian priory, Anglesey Abbey today is a place that can
be enjoyed by visitors with wide-ranging interests. Gardening enthusiasts
will find it an inviting Eden, those interested in collections of fine
art will be spoilt for choice, and even those seeking to uncover the
secrets of a medieval monastery will not be disappointed. Thought to
have been founded in 1135 by Henry I, Anglesey Priory was a small community
of 11 canons. Throughout its 400 years as a religious house it attracted
many generous benefactors, and was quite a wealthy monastery at the
time of its Dissolution in 1535.
After passing through the hands of various owners, the estate was acquired in 1926 by Huttleston
Broughton. Born in the United States, he came to England as a teenager
with his parents and, on the death of his father, he was created a baron.
Known as Lord Fairhaven, he and his younger brother Henry first became
interested in Anglesey Abbey through their sporting activities. Owning
the Barton Stud just outside of Bury St Edmunds, and with Newmarket
Races almost on their doorstep, the house was very conveniently situated.
But Anglesey's significance during Lord Fairhaven's lifetime was as
a perfect setting to display his growing collection of art treasures.
Over a period of some 30 years he accumulated books, paintings, statuary,
tapestries and furniture, as well as many smaller pieces of special interest.
The contrast of such lavishly
furnished and decorated interiors, within the shell of a former austere
priory, gives Anglesey Abbey a unique atmosphere. It was at the beginning
of the 17th century that the monastic buildings were first converted
for domestic use but now little visible evidence remains of its former
use. The east end of the Chapter House still exists in situ, forming
the end wall of the living room, and the main block of the manor house
incorporates the monks original common room, used as a dining room in
Lord Fairhaven's time. Although much re-modelled and extended during
the 20th century, this vaulted room is a marvellous survival from the old priory.
Now to the gardens at Anglesey Abbey - considered to be the 'most imaginative and successful
combination of formal and landscaped gardening' ever created in the 20th
century. It is really several gardens within a whole, each showing individual
characteristics with planting theme and features. Herbs, water, classical
statuary, and an 18th century working watermill all have a place in this
innovative country garden that provides a burst of colour with every season. |
