The Moot Preservation Trust
The Moot is owned by The Downton Moot Preservation Trust Ltd, a company limited by guarantee. It is a charity formed by local residents in 1987 to acquire and manage the Moot. All trustees live in Downton and are actively involved in the Trust’s work.
The garden originally dates back to the 12th century, when a Norman castle was built on the site. The castle was naturally protected by the River Avon.
The Moot garden was one of the earliest examples of a pleasure garden and like Stourhead near Warminster, it was designed to surprise and create drama. The garden was resorted according to pictures published in Country Life magazine in 1909
The Gardens are looked after mainly by volunteers from Friends of Downton Moot. They put on events throughout the year to pay for garden machinery and gardeners to mow the steep ditch sides. The gardens are open all year round and dogs are welcome.
