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Killerton, Devon

Killerton was the home of the Acland family for over three centuries. The present house was apparently built as a temporary residence in 1778 - 79, but still stands today. Around the house a famous garden was laid out in the late eighteenth century. Reflecting a world-wide empire, and technological advance which made travel so much easier, the garden at Killerton became known for its exotic foreign plants. The garden was laid out in 1777 by John Veitch for the 7th Baronet, Sir Thomas Acland. The Veitch nursery then developed Killerton garden as a test bed for foreign plants. From 1840 plant hunters were sent out all over the world looking for exotic species which could be transferred to gardens in England. These men - William and Thomas Lobb, Charles Muries, John Gould Veitch and Ernest Wilson changed the face of European gardening. Killerton with its warm Devon climate was an ideal trial ground, and many foreign plants were grown for the first time in England at Killerton.

Into the twentieth century Killerton came to reflect in a dramatic way a fundamental shift in social beliefs. Richard Acland, 15th Baronet, was a left wing MP who had trouble squaring his great fortune with his socialist beliefs. Sir Richard had formed the Commonwealth Party in 1942 with J.B. Priestly, which advocated common ownership of land. Needing money for the party, a plan was made to sell Killerton. Sir Richard was held back in this by his wife Anne, who felt responsible for the people whose livelihoods depended on the estate. In the end a compromise was reached, whereby Killerton was given away free of charge as a working estate to the National Trust. Sir Richard struggled on with his political career, eventually resigning over the government's decision to produce an H bomb. Sir Richard ended up as a school teacher.

 

 

 

Rock garden at Killerton

Killerton survives today as a historic garden, and a monument to the tensions of social history in the twentieth century. Information boards in the house, a Discovery Centre in the car park, and knowledgeable guides will help you understand the estate. If you are a musician you are welcome to play the grand piano or the organ in the music room.

Killerton is also home to an impressive collection of clothing, which was established in 1978. There are over 10,000 examples of original period dress and accessories from the seventeenth to the mid twentieth centuries. Each year the display is arranged around a different theme.

Five holiday cottages are available on the Killerton estate - telephone 0870 4584411 for details. There is a shop and two tea rooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening Times:

Garden is open all year 10.30am - 7pm. Closed 25th and 26th December and 1st January.

House opening, 12th February to 11th March 12midday - 4pm daily.

12th March - 31st October 11am - 5pm daily.

3rd - 23rd December 2pm - 4pm daily.

Address: Killerton, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon EX5 3LE

Directions: Killerton is just off the B3181 Exeter to Cullompton road. Leave M5 at junction 30 northbound, or junction 28 southbound. Click here for an interactive map centred on Killerton.

Access: Wheelchair access is via the study. Stairs to first floor - this limits access to fashion display which is on the first floor. Transport is available mid-March to October during house opening times to drive visitors betwen the entrance and the house, and around the garden. There is limited room in the toilet.

Contact:

telephone: 01392 881345

fax: 01392 883112

web site: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-killerton

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