1750 - 1780

George Knight originally built the property, with the front façade constructed in the style of James Gibb. Some have suggested there are secret passageways that lead across to Cannington Court.

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1780 - 1850

The house passed to George’s son Charles and then to James. They were prosperous businessmen from a Catholic background and are buried in the graveyard at the Church of St Mary. There is evidence that the room (which is our kitchen) was used as a ‘secretive’ place of Catholic worship – this was a time when there were still strong anti-Catholic attitudes.

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1850 - 1900

Cannington House falls into harder times and is leased out to various people – including John Browne a Bridgwater tile and brick manufacturer.

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1900 - 1950

Cannington House is put up for sale by auction. The Bridgwater Union established a ‘ Cottage Home’ at the property to accommodate the pauper children away from the influence of the workhouse. This was a sad time that is remembered by some of the older residents of Cannington as being a harsh environment for young children. Over the years, Cannington House changes to become a boys home and during the second World War was used to house the US Armed Forces.

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1950 - 2012

Cannington House becomes the property of Brymore School – a local school for boys. For the next 60 years the property was used as a boarding house – a place for the ‘Brymore Boys’ to call home. There are stories from local residents of their experiences whilst living

here – such as climbing out of the downstairs window, clambering over the garden wall and heading to Bridgwater for the evening!!

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2012- present

From 2012 and over the next five years Steve and Jan have renovated the property – removing the signs of the utilitarian school property and bringing back many of the original Georgian features.

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Further information

We are more than pleased to show guests around and point out some of the interesting features of our house. We hope you enjoy your stay in this unique property.