About Beeleigh Abbey Gardens
HISTORY
Beeleigh Abbey was established in 1180 and granted its Royal Charter in 1189 by King Richard I. Standing on the shores of the River Chelmer, it was the home of Norbertine Canons until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. The Abbey received a visit from King Edward I and Queen Eleanor in 1289, who came to visit the shrine of Beeleigh’s very own saint, St Roger of Beeleigh.
Following the Dissolution, the Abbey and its lands were gifted to Sir John Gate, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He was later beheaded for his support of Lady Jane Grey, and the Abbey passed through a series of private hands over the ensuing centuries.
In 1943, the Abbey was purchased by the Foyles, the renowned booksellers. They undertook a series of major restorative works to the Estate.
In 2024, the Abbey was purchased by its current owners. They have set out to make preservation, conservation, and rural enterprise the focus for the next period of the Abbey’s long history.
In 2025, the Abbey saw the restoration of bee hives, the installation of a riverside walk, and the arrival of a flock of pedigree Jacob sheep. In the coming years, much-needed works are scheduled to take place across the estate, including the restoration of paths, gates, fencing, hedging, and watercourses. Central to this is the planting of almost five miles of native hedgerows to replace that which was lost over the last century.
To discover more history about the Abbey, book one of our Historic Tours.
The Abbey welcomes volunteer gardeners each week who – as well as enjoying good company – help to support the maintenance of the much loved gardens.
If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch using the form below.
