Titsey

“Did you know that Titsey Place, the stately home we see before us, was once owned by a family of merchants who rose to the top of their game in the 16th century?” The Gresham family, these merchants were, and they made their fortune in the City of London, known for its booming trade. Titsey Place is a testament to their success. The current manor house stands upon the site of an earlier house built by Sir John Gresham, a man of wealth and influence who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1547. He built a new home in Titsey, replacing a much older dwelling. The manor went through several generations of Greshams, and later, a branch of the Dukes of Sutherland’s family, the Leveson Gowers, inherited the property. The current structure was built in stages. By the 18th century, it was completely rebuilt, given a fresh look of Georgian elegance in 1826, and capped off with a striking tower in 1856. It’s a fascinating mix of architectural styles, reflecting the passage of time on this grand estate. The house stands witness to centuries of history, but if you look closely, you might spot a detail that whispers of a Roman past. You might not expect Roman artifacts to be found in Titsey, but a Roman road, the “London to Lewes Way,” stretches across the area. Evidence of their influence whispers through the layers of time. In 1929, the BBC set up a receiving station in Titsey, its masts and aerials a prominent local landmark. The station remained until 1974, when it merged with others. Titsey Place is a vibrant reminder of a time when the merchant class built grand homes and families established a foundation for their posterity.