Once upon a time.........                                 

A brief history of Crowhurst Park and its residents.

The Romans

The history of Crowhurst Park begins during the time of the Roman Empire. Crowhurst Park as well as Beauport Park, was one of the two largest 'Bloomeries' (a forge used for processing a mass of wrought iron into blocks) in the area, both proving to be major sources of local 'ironstone'. Once processed this material was taken down the Coombe Haven Valley, a view which can be seen from the Mansion House, to deep water berths at Bulverhythe from where it was shipped out to all corners of the Roman Empire. The parkland  was also utilised for the good quality timber that grew on its slopes.

Old Crowhurst Park Advert

The Manor House

The Crowhurst Park Estate and the Mansion have changed size and shape considerably over the years. This can be seen in the number of estate maps that the County Record Office hold. Copies of some of the maps can be seen in the main building. The change in the size of the estate had a direct affect on the size and shape of the Mansion House.
It is thought that there have been three major extensions to the original 'Shooting box' (a small building used to store guns and hunting equipment. Provided a place to stay and rest on a long days hunt). The first being around 1740, the second late in the 18th Century and the last and by far the biggest extension was believed to have been added early in the 19th Century. In its 372 year old history the Mansion House has been used for a number of different purposes, some of which are listed below:

*    A base for Canadian soldiers before the D Day landings
*    Crowhurst Park Hotel & Country Club ( 1942 – late 1950's )
*    Nursing home for the elderly ( late 1950's – ? )
*    Dateline Electric company / Hildeah ( an arms business !! )
*    Caravan Park  -  1973 onwards. 

The Park has evolved in the last 30 years to include Pine Lodges, Caravan Holiday Homes and a Leisure Club.

Once upon a time continued.....