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History
of Bignor Park
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Bignor
Park was originally part of the Arundel Estate when the Dukes
of Norfolk used the grounds to fatten deer. There was a small
house, from which the only surviving relics are two pinnacles
at the west end of the walled garden. At the start of the 19th
Century the Cornish tin miner John Hawkins bought and developed
the estate as an extra to his main property at Trewithen in
Cornwall.
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John
Hawkins built the present house using Henry Harrison as Architect.
The total cost was £33,000 which included full furnishings,
staff and a road to Stane Street.
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Lord
Mersey bought Bignor Park in 1926. He was a writer, traveller
and collector. Richard (grandson
of the orginal Lord Mersey who bought Bignor)'s parents moved
to Bignor in 1959 and renovated the house and garden. In 1979
the west wing was reduced by one third. A summer house is made
from the cedar trees that fell in the great storm of '87. |
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In
1992, Richard and his wife Joanna built a temple to commemorate
his mother's 80th birthday. The Dutch Garden, with its old box
hedges, is predominantly blue and mauve with lavendar, rosemary
and buddleia, a haven for butterflies. |
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There are 11 acres of garden to explore with magnificent views of the
South Downs. There are interesting trees, shrubs, wildflower areas with suaves of daffodils in
the spring. Old walled flower and vegetable gardens. There are plenty of seats for
contemplation and shelter if it rains. Greek Pavilion/Temple and unusual
sculptures. |
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