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{{Short description|Edwardian country house in Stoughton, England}}
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'''Stansted Park''' (including '''Stansted House''') is an [[Edwardian]] country house in the parish of [[Stoughton, West Sussex|Stoughton]], [[West Sussex]], England. It is near the city of [[Chichester]], and also the [[village]] of [[Rowlands Castle]] to the west over the border in [[Hampshire]].
'''Stansted Park''' (including '''Stansted House''') is an [[Edwardian]] country house in the parish of [[Stoughton, West Sussex|Stoughton]], [[West Sussex]], England. It is near the city of [[Chichester]], and also the [[village]] of [[Rowlands Castle]] to the west over the border in [[Hampshire]].


The house is set in the {{convert|1800|acre|km2|sing=on}} park, with woodland and open land grazed by deer. Stansted House has [[Restoration style|Carolean]] revival decor and is listed Grade II*.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1000327|desc=|accessdate=29 September 2015}}</ref>
The house is set in the {{convert|1800|acre|km2|adj=on}} park, with woodland and open land grazed by deer. Stansted House has [[Restoration style|Carolean]] revival decor and is listed Grade II*.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{NHLE|num=1000327|desc=|accessdate=7 November 2021}}</ref> The surrounding area, Stansted Park, is also listed Grade II*.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>


==History==
==History==
The area that is now the Park is mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086, as being included in the [[Hundred (county division)|Hundred]] of Bourne. Some sources suggest that at some time before 1094, a [[Hunting lodge (U.K.)|hunting lodge]] was built for Roger de Montgomery, first [[Earl of Arundel]]. The historic listing summary adds that "Stansted probably originated as a park within the Royal Forest of Bere Porchester, whose over-lords were the earls of Arundel. It was recorded as in use for hunting and for timber production in the medieval period, while a survey of buildings of the Manor of Stansted in 1327 included a hall and a chapel".<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
The house began as a hunting lodge in the 11th century. [[John Lumley, 1st Baron Lumley|John, Lord Lumley]] built a house on the site which was visited by [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth]] on 23 August 1591. [[Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury|Robert Cecil]] described this house as "fayre, well builte without and not meanly furnished within, but want of water is a greate inconvenience."<ref>Paul E. J. Hammer, 'Letters from Cecil to Hatton', ''Religion, Politics and Society in Sixteenth-Century England'' (Cambridge, 2003), pp. 232-3.</ref>


In 1177, [[Henry II of England|Henry II]] visited Stansted. Two other monarchs visited in the next hundred years, [[Richard I of England]] hunted boar here in 1194 and [[John, King of England]] visited in both 1214 and 1215. The next monarch to arrive here was [[Edward VI]], in 1552.<ref name="Stansted Park Timeline">{{cite web |url=https://www.rowlandscastleheritagecentre.org.uk/stansted-timeline/ |title=Stansted Park Timeline |date=29 April 2002 |work=Rowlands |access-date=13 January 2021 |archive-date=24 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124120216/http://www.rowlandscastleheritagecentre.org.uk/stansted-timeline/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
A new house was built on the present site in 1688 for [[Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough|Richard Lumley]], probably to a design by [[William Talman (architect)|William Talman]]. The property was inherited in 1776 by [[George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax|2nd Earl of Halifax]] 1766; he also built the nearby folly tower, now known as [[Racton Monument]]. After his death in 1771, the estate was inherited by his daughter Anna Donaldson. Seven years later, [[George III]] and Queen Charlotte ([[Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz]]) visited; the property was later sold. Subsequent owners made modifications to the building and the grounds, most significantly in 1782.


[[John Lumley, 1st Baron Lumley|John, Lord Lumley]] built a house on the site which was visited by [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth]] on 23 August 1591. [[Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury|Robert Cecil]] described this house as "fayre, well builte without and not meanly furnished within, but want of water is a greate inconvenience."<ref>Paul E. J. Hammer, 'Letters from Cecil to Hatton', ''Religion, Politics and Society in Sixteenth-Century England'' (Cambridge, 2003), pp. 232-3.</ref>
The main block was destroyed by fire in 1900, and rebuilt on the exact footprint of the previous building in 1903; the architect was [[Arthur Blomfield]]. It was purchased by [[Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough]], in 1924. During this family's ownership, [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]], then the consort of [[George VI]], spent one night here in 1939. In 1962, [[Anne, Princess Royal]] visited Stansted and went for a swim.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rowlandscastleheritagecentre.org.uk/stansted-timeline/ |title=Stansted Park Timeline |date=29 April 2002 |work=Rowlands |access-date=13 January 2021 |quote=}}</ref>


A new house was built on the present site, starting in 1686, for [[Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough|Richard Lumley]], probably to a design by [[William Talman (architect)|William Talman]]. The historic listing states that Richard laid out "formal gardens, radiating avenues and parkland on its east side. He probably also cut the central avenue through Stansted Forest to the west".<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Since 1983 the House and Estate have been owned by Stansted Park Foundation, a [[charitable trust]] charged with the preservation of the estate for the benefit of the nation. The trust was set up by [[Frederick Ponsonby, 10th Earl of Bessborough]], who died without a male heir in 1993. An illustrated history of Stansted Park from the 12th century is included in Lord Bessborough's book ''The Enchanted Forest''.


The property was inherited in 1776 by [[George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax|2nd Earl of Halifax]] 1766; he also built the nearby folly tower, now known as [[Racton Monument]]. After his death in 1771, the estate was inherited by his daughter Anna Donaldson. Seven years later, [[George III]] and Queen [[Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz|Charlotte]] visited; the property was later sold. Subsequent owners made modifications to the building and the grounds, most significantly in 1782.
The park is crossed from west to east by the [[Monarch's Way]] long distance footpath.


While under the ownership of [[George Wilder (cricketer)|George Wilder]], the main block was destroyed by fire in 1900 but the stables and the service wing were not affected; the block was rebuilt "in the style of Wren",<ref name="ReferenceA"/> on the exact footprint of the previous building, in 1903. The architect was [[Arthur Blomfield]]. It was purchased by [[Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough]], in 1924. During [[WW II]], the house sheltered orphans from Southsea.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chichesterpost.co.uk/2018/01/changing-times-stansted-house-changes-years/ |title=Changing Times {{!}} Stansted House changes through the years |date=19 January 2018 |work=Chichester Post |access-date=13 January 2021 }}</ref> In 1939, [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]], then the consort of [[George VI]], spent one night here and in 1962, [[Anne, Princess Royal]] visited Stansted House and went for a swim.<ref name="Stansted Park Timeline"/>{{dead link|date=November 2021}}
In early January 2021, the Foundation issued this statement: "Due to funding and staffing issues Stansted Park House, the Arboretum and surrounding Grounds, including the walled garden and maze will now remain shut to the public until Easter 2021. The walled garden playground has now been removed as the structure fell into disrepair and was deemed unsafe. There are currently no plans to reinstall new apparatus in the current position but future plans, if any, will be announced.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/st-paul-s-chapel |title=COVID-19 Statement |date=3 January 2021 |work=Stansted Park|access-date=13 January 2021 |quote=}}</ref>

Since 1983 the House and Estate have been owned by Stansted Park Foundation, a [[charitable trust]] charged with the preservation of the estate for the benefit of the nation. The trust was set up by [[Frederick Ponsonby, 10th Earl of Bessborough]], who died without a male heir in 1993. An illustrated history of Stansted Park from the 12th century is included in Lord Bessborough's book ''The Enchanted Forest''.

The park is crossed from west to east by the [[Monarch's Way]] long-distance footpath.

In early January 2021, the Foundation issued this statement: "Due to funding and staffing issues Stansted Park House, the Arboretum and surrounding Grounds, including the walled garden and maze will now remain shut to the public until Easter 2021. The walled garden playground has now been removed as the structure fell into disrepair and was deemed unsafe. There are currently no plans to reinstall new apparatus..." The Foundation's Web site was listing some planned events, starting in May 2021.<ref name="COVID">{{cite web |url=https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/ |title=COVID-19 Statement |date=3 January 2021 |work=Stansted Park|access-date=13 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/whatson |title=What's On|date=3 January 2021 |work=Stansted Park |access-date=13 January 2021 }}</ref>


==Chapel of St Paul==
==Chapel of St Paul==
[[File:St Paul's Church, Stansted Park, West Sussex (Geograph Image 1914616 0266c084).jpg|thumbnail|St Paul's Church]]
[[File:St Paul's Church, Stansted Park, West Sussex (Geograph Image 1914616 0266c084).jpg|thumbnail|St Paul's Chapel]]
The chapel was built by [[Lewis Way]] in 1812-16, as part of his mission to convert the Jews.<ref name="Price">{{cite book | title=The Road to Apocalypse | publisher=Notting Hill Editions | author=Price, Stanley & [[Munro Price|Munro]] | year=2012 | location=London}}</ref> The [[Regency architecture|Regency]] building incorporates earlier structures, and is by an unknown architect. It is Grade I listed.<ref name=blb>[http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-301293-church-of-st-paul-stoughton-west-sussex Church of St Paul, Stoughton], British Listed Buildings</ref> It was an inspiration to the poet [[John Keats]] when he was writing [[The Eve of St. Agnes]].<ref name="acny">{{cite web | url=http://www.achurchnearyou.com/stansted-st-paul | title=St Paul, Stansted | publisher=A church near you | date=2010 | access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> The church was restored by [[Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel]] in 1926.
The chapel was built by [[Lewis Way]] in 1812–16, as part of his mission to convert the Jews.<ref name="Price">{{cite book | title=The Road to Apocalypse | publisher=Notting Hill Editions | author=Price, Stanley & [[Munro Price|Munro]] | year=2012 | location=London}}</ref> It is [[Grade I listed]].<ref name=blb>[http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-301293-church-of-st-paul-stoughton-west-sussex Church of St Paul, Stoughton], British Listed Buildings</ref> It was an inspiration to the poet [[John Keats]] when he was writing ''[[The Eve of St. Agnes]]''.<ref name="acny">{{cite web | url=http://www.achurchnearyou.com/stansted-st-paul | title=St Paul, Stansted | publisher=A church near you | date=2010 | access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> The church was restored by [[Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel]] in 1926.

The Park's web site adds some specifics: "It was consecrated on 25th January 1819 [and] contains a unique East window with Christian/Jewish iconography and Hebrew tablets of the [[Ten Commandments]]."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/st-paul-s-chapel |title=Private Chapel |date=2 May 2018 |work=The Stansted Foundation |access-date=1 January 2021 }}</ref>


The Park's Web site adds some specifics: "It was consecrated on 25th January 1819 [and] contains a unique East window with Christian/Jewish iconography and Hebrew Tablets of the Ten commandments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/st-paul-s-chapel |title=PRIVATE CHAPEL |date=2 May 2018 |work=The Stansted Foundation |access-date=1 January 2021 |quote=}}</ref>
During the 1926 restoration, the sanctuary was re-decorated, with inspiration from [[Sainte-Chapelle]], in Paris. During [[WW II]], the chapel was damaged but it was restored in 1947.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rowlandscastleheritagecentre.org.uk/stansted-chapel-2/ |title=The Chapel of St Paul, Stansted |date=6 April 2016 |work=Rowlands |access-date=13 January 2021 }}</ref>


During the 1926 restoration, the sanctuary was re-decorated, with inspiration from [[Sainte-Chapelle]], in Paris. During [[WW II]], the chapel was damaged but it was restored in 1947.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rowlandscastleheritagecentre.org.uk/stansted-chapel-2/ |title=The Chapel of St Paul, Stansted |date=6 April 2016 |work=Rowlands |access-date=13 January 2021 |quote=}}</ref>
For some months in 2020, the chapel was open for "a short service of Prayer", once a month; as of mid January 2021, this service was not being offered. The Park's Web site stated that restoration of the chapel had recently been completed, "supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund", but does not specify the date.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/st-paul-s-chapel |title=Private Chapel |date=2 May 2018 |work=Stansted Park|access-date=1 January 2021 }}</ref>


In 2020, the chapel was open for "a short service of Prayer, once a month"; as of mid January 2021, this service was not being offered. The Park's Web site states that restoration had recently been completed, "supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund", but does not specify the date.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/st-paul-s-chapel |title=PRIVATE CHAPEL |date=2 May 2018 |work=Stansted Park|access-date=1 January 2021 |quote=}}</ref>
==Light Railway==
==Light Railway==
[[File:Stansted rail badge.jpg|right|175px]]
[[File:Stansted rail badge.jpg|right|175px]]
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commonscat|Stansted Park}}
* [http://www.stanstedpark.co.uk Stansted Park's official website.]
* {{Official website|https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/}}
* [http://www.splr.org.uk/ Stansted Park Light Railway]
* [http://www.splr.org.uk/ Stansted Park Light Railway]


{{coord|50.887058|-0.917282|type:landmark_region:GB|display=title}}
{{Coord|50.887058|-0.917282|type:landmark_region:GB|display=title}}


{{English cricket venues to 1770}}
{{English cricket venues to 1770}}
{{Ridable miniature railways in England}}
{{Ridable miniature railways in England}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Cricket in Sussex]]
[[Category:Cricket in Sussex]]

Latest revision as of 11:50, 16 June 2023

Stansted House
Side view

Stansted Park (including Stansted House) is an Edwardian country house in the parish of Stoughton, West Sussex, England. It is near the city of Chichester, and also the village of Rowlands Castle to the west over the border in Hampshire.

The house is set in the 1,800-acre (7.3 km2) park, with woodland and open land grazed by deer. Stansted House has Carolean revival decor and is listed Grade II*.[1] The surrounding area, Stansted Park, is also listed Grade II*.[1]

History

[edit]

The area that is now the Park is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, as being included in the Hundred of Bourne. Some sources suggest that at some time before 1094, a hunting lodge was built for Roger de Montgomery, first Earl of Arundel. The historic listing summary adds that "Stansted probably originated as a park within the Royal Forest of Bere Porchester, whose over-lords were the earls of Arundel. It was recorded as in use for hunting and for timber production in the medieval period, while a survey of buildings of the Manor of Stansted in 1327 included a hall and a chapel".[1]

In 1177, Henry II visited Stansted. Two other monarchs visited in the next hundred years, Richard I of England hunted boar here in 1194 and John, King of England visited in both 1214 and 1215. The next monarch to arrive here was Edward VI, in 1552.[2]

John, Lord Lumley built a house on the site which was visited by Queen Elizabeth on 23 August 1591. Robert Cecil described this house as "fayre, well builte without and not meanly furnished within, but want of water is a greate inconvenience."[3]

A new house was built on the present site, starting in 1686, for Richard Lumley, probably to a design by William Talman. The historic listing states that Richard laid out "formal gardens, radiating avenues and parkland on its east side. He probably also cut the central avenue through Stansted Forest to the west".[1]

The property was inherited in 1776 by 2nd Earl of Halifax 1766; he also built the nearby folly tower, now known as Racton Monument. After his death in 1771, the estate was inherited by his daughter Anna Donaldson. Seven years later, George III and Queen Charlotte visited; the property was later sold. Subsequent owners made modifications to the building and the grounds, most significantly in 1782.

While under the ownership of George Wilder, the main block was destroyed by fire in 1900 but the stables and the service wing were not affected; the block was rebuilt "in the style of Wren",[1] on the exact footprint of the previous building, in 1903. The architect was Arthur Blomfield. It was purchased by Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough, in 1924. During WW II, the house sheltered orphans from Southsea.[4] In 1939, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, then the consort of George VI, spent one night here and in 1962, Anne, Princess Royal visited Stansted House and went for a swim.[2][dead link]

Since 1983 the House and Estate have been owned by Stansted Park Foundation, a charitable trust charged with the preservation of the estate for the benefit of the nation. The trust was set up by Frederick Ponsonby, 10th Earl of Bessborough, who died without a male heir in 1993. An illustrated history of Stansted Park from the 12th century is included in Lord Bessborough's book The Enchanted Forest.

The park is crossed from west to east by the Monarch's Way long-distance footpath.

In early January 2021, the Foundation issued this statement: "Due to funding and staffing issues Stansted Park House, the Arboretum and surrounding Grounds, including the walled garden and maze will now remain shut to the public until Easter 2021. The walled garden playground has now been removed as the structure fell into disrepair and was deemed unsafe. There are currently no plans to reinstall new apparatus..." The Foundation's Web site was listing some planned events, starting in May 2021.[5][6]

Chapel of St Paul

[edit]
St Paul's Chapel

The chapel was built by Lewis Way in 1812–16, as part of his mission to convert the Jews.[7] It is Grade I listed.[8] It was an inspiration to the poet John Keats when he was writing The Eve of St. Agnes.[9] The church was restored by Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel in 1926.

The Park's web site adds some specifics: "It was consecrated on 25th January 1819 [and] contains a unique East window with Christian/Jewish iconography and Hebrew tablets of the Ten Commandments."[10]

During the 1926 restoration, the sanctuary was re-decorated, with inspiration from Sainte-Chapelle, in Paris. During WW II, the chapel was damaged but it was restored in 1947.[11]

For some months in 2020, the chapel was open for "a short service of Prayer", once a month; as of mid January 2021, this service was not being offered. The Park's Web site stated that restoration of the chapel had recently been completed, "supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund", but does not specify the date.[12]

Light Railway

[edit]

The Stansted Park Light Railway (50°53′04″N 0°55′21″W / 50.88442°N 0.92255°W / 50.88442; -0.92255) is a 7+14 in (184 mm) gauge miniature railway on the grounds of Stansted House. The railway opened on Easter 2005, and is designed to attract more visitors to the House, which is located in a forest near Havant.

The railway uses locomotives and carriages designed and built by railway volunteers. The railway is rapidly expanding. The new extension is now complete, and incorporates a 12-foot span girder bridge. A new locomotive shed is also nearly finished.

Early cricket

[edit]

In June 1741 a cricket between Slindon Cricket Club and Portsmouth Cricket Club was played in the park.[13] It is the earliest report of a match involving the Slindon team. The team's patron Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond, wrote in a letter to his friend Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, that "above 5,000 people" were present.[13][14] This is the only time that Stansted Park is mentioned in surviving cricket records. The cricket club still plays fixtures during the summer months.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1000327)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Stansted Park Timeline". Rowlands. 29 April 2002. Archived from the original on 24 November 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  3. ^ Paul E. J. Hammer, 'Letters from Cecil to Hatton', Religion, Politics and Society in Sixteenth-Century England (Cambridge, 2003), pp. 232-3.
  4. ^ "Changing Times | Stansted House changes through the years". Chichester Post. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  5. ^ "COVID-19 Statement". Stansted Park. 3 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  6. ^ "What's On". Stansted Park. 3 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  7. ^ Price, Stanley & Munro (2012). The Road to Apocalypse. London: Notting Hill Editions.
  8. ^ Church of St Paul, Stoughton, British Listed Buildings
  9. ^ "St Paul, Stansted". A church near you. 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  10. ^ "Private Chapel". The Stansted Foundation. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  11. ^ "The Chapel of St Paul, Stansted". Rowlands. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  12. ^ "Private Chapel". Stansted Park. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  13. ^ a b McCann, p. 18.
  14. ^ Maun, p. 104.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • ACS (1981). A Guide to Important Cricket Matches Played in the British Isles 1709 – 1863. Nottingham: ACS.
  • McCann, Tim (2004). Sussex Cricket in the Eighteenth Century. Sussex Record Society.
  • Maun, Ian (2009). From Commons to Lord's, Volume One: 1700 to 1750. Roger Heavens. ISBN 978-1-900592-52-9.
  • Lewis Way - A Biography by Geoffrey Henderson, 2015
[edit]

50°53′13″N 0°55′02″W / 50.887058°N 0.917282°W / 50.887058; -0.917282