Stunning herbaceous borders are protected from the winds by yew and box topiary. The terraced gardens below the house were laid out in 1890s but most of what we see today was laid out in the 20th century.
Snowdrops in the old orchard are followed by daffodils (some rare varieties) and other Spring features such as bluebells, tulips, magnolias and Snake’s Head Fritillary.
In Summer, enjoy the herbaceous borders and the roses in the walled Rose Garden.
Beautiful Autumn colours with several rare species of hydrangea.
The garden is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It is also open on the first and third Sunday of each month, from March until September.
RHS Members visit for free on Tuesdays and Wednesdays unless there is a special event – check the website before visiting.
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Felley was an Augustinian Priory founded in 1156 by Ralph Brito of Annesley on the site of an earlier chapel served by a Hermit, listed as ‘Brother Robert’. It was home to twelve monks, and after it was dissolved in 1536, a house was built on part of the cloisters.
The Priory’s land passed through several hands until it was leased by James I to Anthony Millington. The Millingtons remained in possession until the early 18th century when the estate was divided in two. In 1796, one share of Felley was sold to Mary Ann Chaworth whose husband, Jack Musters bought the other share in 1823. The main family home of Annesley Hall was sold in 1973, and Major Robert Patricius Chaworth-Musters and his wife Maria moved to Felley Priory.
The gardens were mainly laid out by Mrs Chaworth-Musters. Mrs Chaworth-Musters was placed by George Plumptre in The English Country House Garden ‘high up in the ranks of modest, untrained but gifted amateur garden makers who have made such a contribution to the creation of English country house gardens since the beginning of the 20th century’.
The house has been extended and remodelled since the 16th century.
The pillars at the entrance to the garden were originally part of the Priory Church and date from the late 12th Century while the stew pond where the Monks would have kept fish is still visible over the garden wall.
Major Chaworth-Musters’ grandchildren, Sophia and Victoria, live in the house with their father and step-mother.
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