History: Parham House

If, like me until recently, you have not heard of Parham House, I’m glad that I can bring a bit more Elizabethan Sussex your way. 

This house is another property listed in Simon Jenkins’ book “England’s Thousand Best Houses”, with good reason. It’s set in the centre of a historic deer park and has been lovingly restored after decades of neglect. 

Built in 1577 just outside of Storrington, this stunning country house is now in remarkable condition, with expansive rooms offering a glimpse into Elizabethan England. Tapestries, portraits, sculptures and more guide you from room to room with rich stories of prior inhabitants of this beautiful building. 

Only three families have called it their home since, with it now owned by a charitable trust. The first family – the Palmer’s, allowed the 2-year-old Thomas to lay the first stone, a superstition to bring the house good luck. It was then with the Palmers for some 300 years, so I’d say that was a pretty lucky stone. The extensive collection of antiquities was put together by Mr and Mrs Pearson, with their daughter adding further works. It is clear that they wanted to ensure that the works collated added to the authenticity of the property and we’re lucky that they did.  

The highlight of any trip is the Long Gallery (the third longest in England), with an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture. It is within this room that ladies of the house would have exercised (less kettlebells and bikram yoga, more parading serenely in slippers). 

You’ll know by now that the thing that drives my historical passion is stories and this house has plenty. Our coast is littered with smuggling anecdotes and Parham House allegedly had a part to play, with connections to a notorious gang – “Hawkhurst”. One of the their bodies was found at the estate with rumours abound that he had fallen out with other gang members. Perhaps he’d quaffed more than his share of spoils. 

If you manage to go on one of Sussex’s clement days, finish your visit in the gardens. A walled garden, beautiful borders and iconic pleasure grounds make it worth you pausing here and imagining life. Rumour has it that Elizabeth 1st herself might have sat in that very spot.  

James Dempster