The Norton Priory Estate is located near Wigan and was originally a monastery, established in 1134. In the late 18th century the homes and garden were built by the Brookes family. Since then the property has declined but the remains of the 2.5 acre walled garden survived. In the early 1980's the garden was restored to an 18th century theme, reminiscent of the original design.
Jon Budworth, the head gardener, begins the tour of the walled garden. To the right is a wing of the original cottage where the gardeners stayed that now serves as a visitor's center, containing a small shop and a brief history of the walled garden.
Entering the walled garden through the visitor's center we are greeted by the herbaceous border shown here.
Alley ways and arbors exist all through out the garden. This arbor is made of different kinds of apple trees. They not only are aesthetically pleasing but serve as an easy way to collect the fruit in the fall.
Small statues and and trimmed hedges provide an enjoyable walk through the gardens as well as creating separate outdoor rooms.
Originally this was a window in the spring garden. Mosaic tiles, glass, and pottery have now filled in the window and present a focal point as you round a corner in the garden. There is much artwork dotted throughout the garden such as this.
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