Upper West Wood

The view of the National Trust owned Uppark House.

The view at the National Trust owned Uppark House.

(which was Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny)

Nice to see it again after all this time!

Uppark is a fine country house dating from about 1689. It got its somewhat unusual name in order to distinguish it from Down Park in the same Parish, which has long since vanished. Built originally for Ford Lord Grey of Warke who was created Earl of Tankerville in 1701 it was sold to the Fetherstonhaugh family in 1747 who remained its owners until it was given to the National Trust. During restoration work on the roof in 1989 which was nearing completion, heat from an oxy-acetylene torch being used to seal the lead caused the 300 year old timbers in the roof to catch fire. The fire spread disastrously despite up to 27 fire appliances attempting to control the blaze. The damage was such that demolition was a serious option, but the outside fabric of the building was remarkably intact and most of the precious items in the lower floors had been saved by staff, volunteers and firefighters. The upper floors were completely gutted and sadly the donor family who lived in that part of the house, lost many of their possessions. The decision was made to renovate the building completely and restore the ground floor rooms to their pre-fire status. This was all managed by 1995 when the house reopened. Today, apart from some scorched and charred wooden floor panels, you would not be able to tell there had ever been a fire as you tour the house; a great feat of restoration by the Trust and the skilled craftsmen and women they employed. Uppark Visitor Information (NT) Link English Heritage Listings: The House (Grade I) Link Old Laundry and Kitchen Block (Grade I) Link Stable Block (Grade I) Link Dairy (Grade II) Link Game Larder (Grade II) Link Gothic Garden Seat (Grade II) Link Entrance Gates (Grade II) Link

The house restored to its former glory following the devastating fire.

One of the National Trust's properties within the South Downs National Park. The mother of H G Wells worked here 'below stairs'.

A fine 17th century house, Uppark House has an interesting history Link

The roadway is a drive leading to Deerkeepers - presumably a private residence. Jonathan Billinger had stood on much the same spot before me: SU7716 : Road to Deerkeepers - though at a time of year when the trees were bare. Photo taken on a rather dismal August evening,

See also Link.

Apparently the island is visible in good weather.

The B2141 runs 8 miles over the South Downs from mid Lavant to South Harting. It links Chichester with Petersfield. Link

The B2146 runs 16 miles from Petersfield to Bosham across The South Downs. Link

The B2146 runs 16 miles from Petersfield to Bosham across The South Downs. Link

The B2141 runs 8 miles over the South Downs from mid Lavant to South Harting. It links Chichester with Petersfield. Link