Ashdown Park

Ashdown Park was once part of the large area of the Ashdown Forest enclosed under the decree of 1693, and over the following century passed through the hands of several land spectators. The forest mansion house known here was built by either Thomas Bradford, who had Ashdown Park in 1815, or by Rear Admiral The Honourable Jacob Henniker who owned and occupied Ashdown Park from 1822. At the time the Estate comprised of 3,563 acres and included Pippingford Park, Old Lodge and the Army Training Ground. In 1867 Mr Thomas Charles Thompson, Member of Parliament for Durham, bought the Estate. After purchase, he demolished the existing Henniker mansion, except possibly the cellars, and built the House which forms the central section of the building as it is now. The grounds were then laid out and some fine specimen trees planted. The stream, which originates near Wych Cross, was dammed to make fords.