Sue Berry: The Pelhams of Stanmer – the development of their house and park and the buildings within it c1720 -1840, and why it’s now a public park
The Pelhams were important politically in Lewes and as clients of local businesses such as masons, timber merchants and other providers of building skills and materials. They rebuilt the residential part of the house in the 1720s when the (demolished) service wing was overhauled. They also built the stables (now homes) and the church.
From the 1750s, they were also advocates for visiting Brighton during the early years of its development, using their contacts as political networkers to do so.
The family overspent; their down land estates were sold off from the later C19th. The Borough of Brighton bought the house and park in the 1940s, and the nearby farmland. The estate’s old walled gardens have been re-landscaped and accommodate a coffee service with cakes in the market building and a restaurant. Toilets are available there and in the village. All car parking is at the back of the site, drive past the House. Carefully cross the staggered crossroad, traffic can come from your left which isn’t easy to see.
We will begin with viewing the main front and side of the House – if it is open then you can have coffee in there, cross to the church which was rebuilt in the 1830s and hides the village from the house. View the village and then go into One Garden past the site of the former icehouse, and the restored green houses, bothies and other buildings. There you can find coffee, plants, and other delights.
You will receive an article to read about the redevelopment of the house and grounds in the 1720s by email, and notes with a site plan on the day.
When and Where: Walk starts at 10:30am. Meet outside Stanmer House on the grass, Falmer, BN1 7TJ.
Booking your place: Must pre-book with Lewes History Group, via Ticketsource. This walk is for LHG members only. Fee £5 per person. We will email members with a password to enter when buying your ticket. Booking conditions and advice on Ticketsource.
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Lewes History Group 