Hodsock Priory Snowdrops

From Domesday Book onwards there is a complete record of the owners of this estate, which has been occupied through the Bronze Age and Roman times.  Extensive areas of farm land were granted to Hodsock by William the Conqueror.

The great gatehouse was built in the 15th century and is a Grade I listed building.  An attractive feature of the house are the striking, twisted chimneys.

During the Second World War the house was used by the Women's Land Army with the extensive gardens given over to vegetable growing.

The present owner, Sir Andrew Buchanan, 5th Baronet, has spent the last 40 years restoring the gardens, and since 1990 they have been open to the public during the snowdrop flowering season.  The money raised funds the restoration, and donations are also made to charities.

The massed snowdrops and winter borders are internationally known as a rare and exceptionally beautiful sight.

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