The House
After a programme of painstaking conservation work, largely funded
by English Heritage, the East and North ranges of Acton Court can now be viewed. The many ‘finds’ discovered during the archaeological
excavations are held at Bristol City Museum.
Acton Court is believed to be the most ‘original’ Tudor house in Britain.
In order to maintain the integrity of the building, as far as possible,
it has been left in its original state. The empty house has a mysterious beauty that we have tried to preserve. Due to the fragile nature of the
construction, only small, escorted groups can view the rooms at any
one time. The house is a Grade I Listed Building and both house
and grounds are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, which ensures that
no digging or building can take place without permission and that
the site is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The Grounds
In the 16th Century, Acton Court had grand and extensive formal gardens. Today, the garden and grounds are part of the Scheduled Monument and as such are subject to limitations regarding works: digging especially is discouraged. Natural meadows that support native wildlife species have proved to be a good solution for the site and Head Gardener, Nic Jones cultivates a walled wildflower meadow and orchard, Old English and wild roses and he has also created an organic kitchen garden on medieval lines, which produces quality vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs. The remaining 12 acres of grounds are managed as meadow and rough grassland which supports the owl population and the breeding barn owls in particular. Numerous native species of grasses and plants, some now quite rare in the UK, are featured and especially types that would have flourished in Tudor times.
Acton Court is an organic site and Soil Association Certified. Occasionally, fresh produce is available to visitors.
National Gardens Scheme
The garden and grounds will be open to the public on Saturday 9 June 2012. Details will be posted from 1st January 2012 on www.ngs.org.uk
