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The origin of Forde was as a Cistercian Abbey, a daughter monastery of Waverley in Surrey. In 1521 Thomas Chard became abbot and he undertook a major reconstruction; this work ended however with the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 and the buildings were handed over to the crown. Although subsequently leased to one Richard Pollard, the abbey was allowed to gently rot for over 100 years until purchased in 1649 by Edward Prideaux who transformed it into a magnificent country house. Although it has passed through many hands since, it remains a private dwelling, much of it now open to the public including the splendid gardens.