Rowes at Priory Gardens

The Priory of Guisborough in North Yorkshire was founded in 1119 by the Bruce (Brus) Family, ancestors of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland. It was one of the first Augustine priories built in England, its church was rebuilt 3 times before the priory was demolished in 1540 with the dissolution of the Monasteries. Only the East Gate remains, preserved by the Chaloner family, the new owners of the site, as a romantic vista. The Chaloners also laid formal gardens on the land of the Priory. Since 1962, the Rowe family has been growing cut flowers in the Priory Gardens for the florist trade , with now James, the third generation, in charge. As well as providing British grown flowers to local florists, he opens the Gardens for 'Pick your Own' days, as well as offering flowers for weddings and organising workshops. In late summer, the Dahlias are in full bloom with 60 different varieties being grown, including Dahlia 'Cafe Au Lait', as well as scabious, sunflowers, Zinnias and Rudbeckias.