On a bit of a gloomy day a group of 8 of the Sullington Windmills members took a trip to St Mary’s House in Bramber.
We were met by Keith and Sally (two of approx. 50 volunteers) who were to give us a guided tour of the house.
The tour started in the entrance room/hallway where we learned a potted history of the building and its owners (who are still in residence). It was interesting to see a model of the house’s original design as a stopover place for pilgrims c.1450 and then learn about how it changed over the years, through the Tudor period (becoming a private home), into the Victorian era and beyond.
We were then able to look around most of the rooms of the house whilst being provided with extra information from our guides. We saw the remains of the pilgrim dormitories, painted leather walls, the Elizabethan trompe l’oeil painted room and the surprise of the Victorian music room. We heard stories about the Knights Templar, a fleeing King Charles II and how the cellar was inspiration for the Sherlock Holmes tale The Musgrave Ritual.
The house is full of the collections of the current owners and are a very eclectic mix. There are cabinets of beaded bags, a collection of Nelson/Wellington/Napoleon memorabilia, cabinets of dolls, a collection of lutes and numerous books and other collectables/antiques.
After a thorough look around we made our way through the damp garden to the café. We were then able to have a cup of tea or coffee and a lovely slice of homemade cake.
After our tea break a few of us stayed on to have a walk around the gardens. Although it was September and still raining the gardens, of which there are 5 acres, were lovely. We particularly liked the Victorian garden with its original greenhouse, cold frames and fruit wall.
The current owners, Peter and Roger, have undertaken so much work to conserve the house and gardens, but it was clear that the work is ongoing and every visit will help towards the conservation fund. If you live in the area and have not yet had the chance to visit, I would recommend a trip to St Mary’s House and Gardens, it is quite fascinating and the lemon drizzle cake was delicious too!
