The gardens have evolved over nearly 900 years, reflecting the contributions of various owners. Initially, the Augustinian nuns cultivated herb and vegetable gardens for medicinal and culinary purposes. In the 18th century, under John Ivory Talbot, the gardens were redesigned with input from notable landscape designers such as Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. In the 19th century, William Henry Fox Talbot, a pioneer in photography and botany, further developed the gardens by planting exotic species and ornamental trees. Today, the gardens feature a botanic garden, woodland garden, orchard, rose garden, and rockworks, offering visitors a diverse and historically rich experience.