which today are private residences. residences. private are today which
Mr Abraham Singer and converted into luxury fl ats ats fl luxury into converted and Singer Abraham Mr
The house was acquired and renovated in 1977 by by 1977 in renovated and acquired was house The
east corner of Hotham Park close to the bandstand. bandstand. the to close Park Hotham of corner east
The start of the trail is Hotham Park House at the south south the at House Park Hotham is trail the of start The
TRAIL 3 STARTS HERE STARTS 3 TRAIL
PARK OFF LONDON ROAD CLOSE TO THE ICE HOUSE. ICE THE TO CLOSE ROAD LONDON OFF PARK
Lodge (pictured below). (pictured Lodge
HIGH STREET. THE LARGER LONG STAY CAR PARK IS LOCATED NEXT TO HOTHAM HOTHAM TO NEXT LOCATED IS PARK CAR STAY LONG LARGER THE STREET. HIGH
From 1815, the House was renamed Bersted Bersted renamed was House the 1815, From of Regency style. Regency of FROM THE ROUNDABOUT ON UPPER BOGNOR ROAD AT THE JUNCTION WITH WITH JUNCTION THE AT ROAD BOGNOR UPPER ON ROUNDABOUT THE FROM
building demonstrates many of the attributes attributes the of many demonstrates building
SHORT STAY (LODGE) CAR PARK WITHIN THE PARK ITSELF IS ACCESSED DIRECTLY DIRECTLY ACCESSED IS ITSELF PARK THE WITHIN PARK CAR (LODGE) STAY SHORT the house and the clock tower. clock the and house the
P P
removed during renovations in 1977). The The 1977). in renovations during removed
included a private chapel built at the rear of of rear the at built chapel private a included THERE ARE TWO CAR PARKS IN AND ADJACENT TO HOTHAM PARK. THE SMALLER SMALLER THE PARK. HOTHAM TO ADJACENT AND IN PARKS CAR TWO ARE THERE
supported on trellis columns (this was was (this columns trellis on supported in Bognor. Known then as Chapel House it it House Chapel as then Known Bognor. in
the verandah is an iron balcony with hood hood with balcony iron an is verandah the of the Lodge in 1792 as his main residence residence main his as 1792 in Lodge the of
verandah raised above ground level. Above Above level. ground above raised verandah
Hotham Park House was built to the north north the to built was House Park Hotham linked on the ground fl oor by an arcaded arcaded an by oor fl ground the on linked
element in the development of the history and culture of the town. the of culture and history the of development the in element and parapet. 2 large bays, which are are which bays, large 2 parapet. and demolished in 1937. in demolished
basement, 10 windows, Stuccoed Cornice Cornice Stuccoed windows, 10 basement, named Bognor Lodge. This building was was building This Lodge. Bognor named
after his death in 1799. The buildings do however represent an important important an represent however do buildings The 1799. in death his after
building comprising 2 storeys and semi semi and storeys 2 comprising building a farmhouse into his fi rst mansion in 1787 1787 in mansion rst fi his into farmhouse a
These building are not directly linked to Sir Richard Hotham, being built long long built being Hotham, Richard Sir to linked directly not are building These The Listed building status describes the the describes status building Listed The At Bognor Sir Richard Hotham converted converted Hotham Richard Sir Bognor At
The fi nal part of the Trail fi nishes at the Railway Station and Picturedrome. Picturedrome. and Station Railway the at nishes fi Trail the of part nal fi The to the public in 1947. 1947. in public the to home of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. Lady and Nelson Lord of home
grounds and neighbouring land and opened opened and land neighbouring and grounds into Merton Place, which became the future future the became which Place, Merton into
Fletcher, who was interested in Arboriculture, in association with Kew Gardens. Gardens. Kew with association in Arboriculture, in interested was who Fletcher, Urban District Council in 1946 along with the the with along 1946 in Council District Urban Farm in Merton in Surrey and developed it it developed and Surrey in Merton in Farm
The building was acquired by Bognor Regis Regis Bognor by acquired was building The development. In 1764 he purchased Moat Moat purchased he 1764 In development.
Park Heritage Trust. The gardens were developed in the early 1900s by William William by 1900s early the in developed were gardens The Trust. Heritage Park
Sir Richard Hotham was not new to property property to new not was Hotham Richard Sir
and leased to Government ministries. Government to leased and
Hotham Park is owned by Arun District Council with the support of the Hotham Hotham the of support the with Council District Arun by owned is Park Hotham
During the war the building was requisitioned requisitioned was building the war the During Hotham Park House). (1) (1) House). Park Hotham
to build Chapel House (Today known as as known (Today House Chapel build to
one of the best preserved examples of its kind in West Sussex. West in kind its of examples preserved best the of one as Hotham Park. (1) (1) Park. Hotham as
close to Bognor Lodge on which he was was he which on Lodge Bognor to close
goldfi sh. The fruits of his work we see today today see we work his of fruits The sh. goldfi
The trail includes the Ice House, part of the original Hotham Park Estate and and Estate Park Hotham original the of part House, Ice the includes trail The the current Royal Norfolk Hotel and a fi eld eld fi a and Hotel Norfolk Royal current the
also built a lake with water lilies and large large and lilies water with lake a built also
paid £700 for 35 acres immediately east of of east immediately acres 35 for £700 paid
them with magnifi cent trees and shrubs. He He shrubs. and trees cent magnifi with them
with the hope that King George III would visit. visit. would III George King that hope the with 1,600 acres of land for his project. Sir Richard Richard Sir project. his for land of acres 1,600
a fortune laying out the grounds and planting planting and grounds the out laying fortune a
(then a small hamlet), he acquired some some acquired he hamlet), small a (then
healthy bathing resort. Dome House, part of Hothamton Crescent, was built built was Crescent, Hothamton of part House, Dome resort. bathing healthy own interest was Arboriculture and he spent spent he and Arboriculture was interest own
At the start of his grand plans for the town town the for plans grand his of start the At
small crocodiles and giant lizards. William’s William’s lizards. giant and crocodiles small
to attract Royalty to the town thereby increasing its status and popularity as a a as popularity and status its increasing thereby town the to Royalty attract to
her pets included pythons, boa constrictors, constrictors, boa pythons, included pets her seaside spas. seaside
estate. With the building of Hothamton Crescent, Sir Richard Hotham’s aim was was aim Hotham’s Richard Sir Crescent, Hothamton of building the With estate. wife Agnes who had an interest in reptiles; reptiles; in interest an had who Agnes wife starting the trend of the Sussex coast as as coast Sussex the of trend the starting
He moved to the property in 1900 with his his with 1900 in property the to moved He reported by Richard Russell in 1750, thereby thereby 1750, in Russell Richard by reported
The Trail covers Chapel House (Now Hotham Park House), its clock tower and and tower clock its House), Park Hotham (Now House Chapel covers Trail The
was Lord of the Manor of Aldwick at the time. time. the at Aldwick of Manor the of Lord was the treatment of diseases of the glands was was glands the of diseases of treatment the
his son William Holland Ballett Fletcher, who who Fletcher, Ballett Holland William son his sea bathing. The benefi ts of sea water in in water sea of ts benefi The bathing. sea
building at the start of the creation of Bognor as it was known at the time. the at known was it as Bognor of creation the of start the at building
In 1899, it was renamed Aldwick Manor by by Manor Aldwick renamed was it 1899, In a period of ill health to take the benefi ts of of ts benefi the take to health ill of period a
This trail explores the buildings which Sir Richard Hotham was instrumental in in instrumental was Hotham Richard Sir which buildings the explores trail This Sir Richard fi rst visited Bognor in 1784 during during 1784 in Bognor visited rst fi Richard Sir
but the clock tower was retained. was tower clock the but
demolished the chapel shortly after in 1859 1859 in after shortly chapel the demolished parkland, which is open to the public. the to open is which parkland,
The Sir Richard Hotham Trail Hotham Richard Sir The
on the 18th May 1857 for £8,500, he he £8,500, for 1857 May 18th the on is surrounded by 9 hectares (22 acres) of of acres) (22 hectares 9 by surrounded is
John Ballett Fletcher purchased the property property the purchased Fletcher Ballett John Hotham Park House is Grade II* listed and and listed II* Grade is House Park Hotham
TRAIL 3 TRAIL Hotham Park House House Park Hotham 1 1
8 The Railway Station 9 The Picturedrome Carry on down London Road and turning The Cinema was originally built as the New right into Lyon Street West will bring you Assembly Rooms and opened in May 1886. It to The Railway Station. The opening of the was renamed The Queen’s Hall in Coronation TAILORED WALKS branch line from Barnham in 1864 followed year 1911 and the octagonal lantern Tower UNLOCKING THE BEST by the pier just one year later was a major had a pedal powered revolving light. OF BOGNOR REGIS’ factor in increasing the popularity of the RICH HISTORY town as a seaside resort with the growth of It became a cinema opening of the 5th June day trippers. 1919 and had various owners including Cannon, Classic and ABC Cinemas. The present station building was completed in 1902 at a cost of £68,000 creating the Under the threat of closure in 2009 by its imposing building replacing the original then owners The Bognor Pier Company Ltd, wooden structure, which burnt down in it was Grade II listed for preservation and 1899. Under threat of demolition it was purchased by Bognor Regis Town Council Grade II listed in 1989 as a complete example in 2010. The Cinema is operated by the of an Edwardian Seaside Terminus. The Picturedrome Electric Theatre Company station has undergone further restoration and has undergone £1 million investment with £2milllon investment in a Creative in screens and cinema technology. Today Digital Hub in 2018 and new paved it provides fi lmgoers with a low cost venue pedestrian and landscaped frontage to the compared with the major Cinema multiple station. chains. Opposite the Station on Canada Grove is the Picturedrome Cinema. TRAIL 3 TRAIL 3 ENDS HERE The Picturedrome ends The Sir Richard Hotham Trail The ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sir Richard Thanks to Ron Iden and the Bognor Regis An article from The Argus May 2015 by Sylvia Local History Society for use of “A series of Endacott on Hothamton Crescent. Three walks around Bognor Regis – Walk Hotham A Tall Story, The story of the Clock Tower at Number One”, A Brief History of Bognor Regis Hotham Park House compiled by 2008 and reprinted 2011 by Ron Iden. Sylvia Endacott. Trail The series of three booklets were combined into one publication: Bognor Regis; Buildings of Images by Darren Crisp, Richard Bettles & Interest, by Ron Iden published by BRLHS in 2010. Kenneth Blamires. Bersted Lodge image by kind permission of RIBA. (1) Gerard Young. The History of Bognor Regis (1983) bognorregistrails.co.uk bognorregistrails.co.uk
which today are private residences. residences. private are today which
Mr Abraham Singer and converted into luxury fl ats ats fl luxury into converted and Singer Abraham Mr
The house was acquired and renovated in 1977 by by 1977 in renovated and acquired was house The
east corner of Hotham Park close to the bandstand. bandstand. the to close Park Hotham of corner east
The start of the trail is Hotham Park House at the south south the at House Park Hotham is trail the of start The
TRAIL 3 STARTS HERE STARTS 3 TRAIL
PARK OFF LONDON ROAD CLOSE TO THE ICE HOUSE. ICE THE TO CLOSE ROAD LONDON OFF PARK
Lodge (pictured below). (pictured Lodge
HIGH STREET. THE LARGER LONG STAY CAR PARK IS LOCATED NEXT TO HOTHAM HOTHAM TO NEXT LOCATED IS PARK CAR STAY LONG LARGER THE STREET. HIGH
From 1815, the House was renamed Bersted Bersted renamed was House the 1815, From
of Regency style. Regency of FROM THE ROUNDABOUT ON UPPER BOGNOR ROAD AT THE JUNCTION WITH WITH JUNCTION THE AT ROAD BOGNOR UPPER ON ROUNDABOUT THE FROM
building demonstrates many of the attributes attributes the of many demonstrates building
SHORT STAY (LODGE) CAR PARK WITHIN THE PARK ITSELF IS ACCESSED DIRECTLY DIRECTLY ACCESSED IS ITSELF PARK THE WITHIN PARK CAR (LODGE) STAY SHORT the house and the clock tower. clock the and house the
P P
removed during renovations in 1977). The The 1977). in renovations during removed
included a private chapel built at the rear of of rear the at built chapel private a included THERE ARE TWO CAR PARKS IN AND ADJACENT TO HOTHAM PARK. THE SMALLER SMALLER THE PARK. HOTHAM TO ADJACENT AND IN PARKS CAR TWO ARE THERE
supported on trellis columns (this was was (this columns trellis on supported
in Bognor. Known then as Chapel House it it House Chapel as then Known Bognor. in
the verandah is an iron balcony with hood hood with balcony iron an is verandah the
of the Lodge in 1792 as his main residence residence main his as 1792 in Lodge the of
verandah raised above ground level. Above Above level. ground above raised verandah
Hotham Park House was built to the north north the to built was House Park Hotham
linked on the ground fl oor by an arcaded arcaded an by oor fl ground the on linked
element in the development of the history and culture of the town. the of culture and history the of development the in element and parapet. 2 large bays, which are are which bays, large 2 parapet. and demolished in 1937. in demolished
basement, 10 windows, Stuccoed Cornice Cornice Stuccoed windows, 10 basement, named Bognor Lodge. This building was was building This Lodge. Bognor named
after his death in 1799. The buildings do however represent an important important an represent however do buildings The 1799. in death his after
building comprising 2 storeys and semi semi and storeys 2 comprising building a farmhouse into his fi rst mansion in 1787 1787 in mansion rst fi his into farmhouse a
These building are not directly linked to Sir Richard Hotham, being built long long built being Hotham, Richard Sir to linked directly not are building These The Listed building status describes the the describes status building Listed The At Bognor Sir Richard Hotham converted converted Hotham Richard Sir Bognor At
The fi nal part of the Trail fi nishes at the Railway Station and Picturedrome. Picturedrome. and Station Railway the at nishes fi Trail the of part nal fi The to the public in 1947. 1947. in public the to home of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. Lady and Nelson Lord of home
grounds and neighbouring land and opened opened and land neighbouring and grounds into Merton Place, which became the future future the became which Place, Merton into
Fletcher, who was interested in Arboriculture, in association with Kew Gardens. Gardens. Kew with association in Arboriculture, in interested was who Fletcher, Urban District Council in 1946 along with the the with along 1946 in Council District Urban Farm in Merton in Surrey and developed it it developed and Surrey in Merton in Farm
The building was acquired by Bognor Regis Regis Bognor by acquired was building The development. In 1764 he purchased Moat Moat purchased he 1764 In development.
Park Heritage Trust. The gardens were developed in the early 1900s by William William by 1900s early the in developed were gardens The Trust. Heritage Park
Sir Richard Hotham was not new to property property to new not was Hotham Richard Sir
and leased to Government ministries. Government to leased and
Hotham Park is owned by Arun District Council with the support of the Hotham Hotham the of support the with Council District Arun by owned is Park Hotham
During the war the building was requisitioned requisitioned was building the war the During Hotham Park House). (1) (1) House). Park Hotham
to build Chapel House (Today known as as known (Today House Chapel build to
one of the best preserved examples of its kind in West Sussex. West in kind its of examples preserved best the of one
as Hotham Park. (1) (1) Park. Hotham as
close to Bognor Lodge on which he was was he which on Lodge Bognor to close
goldfi sh. The fruits of his work we see today today see we work his of fruits The sh. goldfi
The trail includes the Ice House, part of the original Hotham Park Estate and and Estate Park Hotham original the of part House, Ice the includes trail The the current Royal Norfolk Hotel and a fi eld eld fi a and Hotel Norfolk Royal current the
also built a lake with water lilies and large large and lilies water with lake a built also
paid £700 for 35 acres immediately east of of east immediately acres 35 for £700 paid
them with magnifi cent trees and shrubs. He He shrubs. and trees cent magnifi with them
with the hope that King George III would visit. visit. would III George King that hope the with 1,600 acres of land for his project. Sir Richard Richard Sir project. his for land of acres 1,600
a fortune laying out the grounds and planting planting and grounds the out laying fortune a
(then a small hamlet), he acquired some some acquired he hamlet), small a (then
healthy bathing resort. Dome House, part of Hothamton Crescent, was built built was Crescent, Hothamton of part House, Dome resort. bathing healthy
own interest was Arboriculture and he spent spent he and Arboriculture was interest own
At the start of his grand plans for the town town the for plans grand his of start the At
small crocodiles and giant lizards. William’s William’s lizards. giant and crocodiles small
to attract Royalty to the town thereby increasing its status and popularity as a a as popularity and status its increasing thereby town the to Royalty attract to
her pets included pythons, boa constrictors, constrictors, boa pythons, included pets her seaside spas. seaside
estate. With the building of Hothamton Crescent, Sir Richard Hotham’s aim was was aim Hotham’s Richard Sir Crescent, Hothamton of building the With estate. wife Agnes who had an interest in reptiles; reptiles; in interest an had who Agnes wife starting the trend of the Sussex coast as as coast Sussex the of trend the starting
He moved to the property in 1900 with his his with 1900 in property the to moved He reported by Richard Russell in 1750, thereby thereby 1750, in Russell Richard by reported
The Trail covers Chapel House (Now Hotham Park House), its clock tower and and tower clock its House), Park Hotham (Now House Chapel covers Trail The
was Lord of the Manor of Aldwick at the time. time. the at Aldwick of Manor the of Lord was the treatment of diseases of the glands was was glands the of diseases of treatment the
his son William Holland Ballett Fletcher, who who Fletcher, Ballett Holland William son his sea bathing. The benefi ts of sea water in in water sea of ts benefi The bathing. sea
building at the start of the creation of Bognor as it was known at the time. the at known was it as Bognor of creation the of start the at building
In 1899, it was renamed Aldwick Manor by by Manor Aldwick renamed was it 1899, In a period of ill health to take the benefi ts of of ts benefi the take to health ill of period a
This trail explores the buildings which Sir Richard Hotham was instrumental in in instrumental was Hotham Richard Sir which buildings the explores trail This Sir Richard fi rst visited Bognor in 1784 during during 1784 in Bognor visited rst fi Richard Sir
but the clock tower was retained. was tower clock the but
demolished the chapel shortly after in 1859 1859 in after shortly chapel the demolished parkland, which is open to the public. the to open is which parkland,
The Sir Richard Hotham Trail Hotham Richard Sir The
on the 18th May 1857 for £8,500, he he £8,500, for 1857 May 18th the on is surrounded by 9 hectares (22 acres) of of acres) (22 hectares 9 by surrounded is
John Ballett Fletcher purchased the property property the purchased Fletcher Ballett John Hotham Park House is Grade II* listed and and listed II* Grade is House Park Hotham
TRAIL 3 TRAIL Hotham Park House House Park Hotham 1 1
8 The Railway Station 9 The Picturedrome Carry on down London Road and turning The Cinema was originally built as the New right into Lyon Street West will bring you Assembly Rooms and opened in May 1886. It to The Railway Station. The opening of the was renamed The Queen’s Hall in Coronation TAILORED WALKS branch line from Barnham in 1864 followed year 1911 and the octagonal lantern Tower UNLOCKING THE BEST by the pier just one year later was a major had a pedal powered revolving light. OF BOGNOR REGIS’ factor in increasing the popularity of the RICH HISTORY town as a seaside resort with the growth of It became a cinema opening of the 5th June day trippers. 1919 and had various owners including Cannon, Classic and ABC Cinemas. The present station building was completed in 1902 at a cost of £68,000 creating the Under the threat of closure in 2009 by its imposing building replacing the original then owners The Bognor Pier Company Ltd, wooden structure, which burnt down in it was Grade II listed for preservation and 1899. Under threat of demolition it was purchased by Bognor Regis Town Council Grade II listed in 1989 as a complete example in 2010. The Cinema is operated by the of an Edwardian Seaside Terminus. The Picturedrome Electric Theatre Company station has undergone further restoration and has undergone £1 million investment with £2milllon investment in a Creative in screens and cinema technology. Today Digital Hub in 2018 and new paved it provides fi lmgoers with a low cost venue pedestrian and landscaped frontage to the compared with the major Cinema multiple station. chains. Opposite the Station on Canada Grove is the Picturedrome Cinema. TRAIL 3 TRAIL 3 ENDS HERE The Picturedrome ends The Sir Richard Hotham Trail The ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sir Richard Thanks to Ron Iden and the Bognor Regis An article from The Argus May 2015 by Sylvia Local History Society for use of “A series of Endacott on Hothamton Crescent. Three walks around Bognor Regis – Walk Hotham A Tall Story, The story of the Clock Tower at Number One”, A Brief History of Bognor Regis Hotham Park House compiled by 2008 and reprinted 2011 by Ron Iden. Sylvia Endacott. Trail The series of three booklets were combined into one publication: Bognor Regis; Buildings of Images by Darren Crisp, Richard Bettles & Interest, by Ron Iden published by BRLHS in 2010. Kenneth Blamires. Bersted Lodge image by kind permission of RIBA. (1) Gerard Young. The History of Bognor Regis (1983)
bognorregistrails.co.uk bognorregistrails.co.uk TRAIL 3 Simply follow the numbered trail on the map and read the corresponding The Trail Map numbered descriptions and selection of images throughout this leafl et.
6 5 4 3
7
2
END HERE 1 8 9 START HERE
3 4 5 6
2 The Clock Tower 3 Dome House 4 Niagara House 7 The Ice House (Hothamton Crescent) On leaving the campus and heading north The Ice House was originally part of the The Grade II* Listing describes the clock on Upper Bognor Road at its junction Hotham Park Estate and gives you some tower to the north west of the building as Upper Bognor Road with Mead Lane is Niagara House. This is idea of the size and extent of the original being built of four sections, each set back possibly an older property with a Georgian grounds. It is thought to date back to 1792 within the lower section. It has clock faces Hothamton Crescent, comprised three façade. Princess Charlotte who stayed at for storage and preservation of food for on the north and south sides of the top separate buildings; Dome House, Mordington Dome House purchased buns from a shop the House. The brick structure as seen section with the cupola containing the bell and St Michaels’s originally containing seven on the Mead Lane site. today would originally been covered with supported on 8 columns. A weather vane residences. All three buildings were built by a layer of soil with trees planted around it sits on top of the cupola. Sir Richard Hotham in the 1790s with the aim for shade. of attracting Royalty to his developing resort John Twaites of Clerkenwell designed the away from Weymouth and Brighton. 5 Spencer Terrace The entrance is north facing and the vault clock and mechanism with the bell cast by below ground would have been fl oored Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London, which Dome House is Bognor’s only Grade I listed Continuing on Upper Bognor Road is Spencer with pebbles for drainage and the vault has cast other famous bells during its history building and was the centrepiece of the Terrace also built by Sir Richard Hotham packed with ice and straw as part of the including ‘Big Ben’.The Hotham Park Clock crescent. The building is constructed with in 1790. It is named after Lord Spencer, a preservation process. William Fletcher Tower Bell was cast in 1794 and weighs 3 multi coloured bricks with an imposing front politician and neighbour of Sir Richard when continued to use the Ice House for cwt, 2qts, 3 lbs and 8 ozs (175 kgs). entrance and is surmounted with a plaque of he lived in Wimbledon. preserving ice up to about 1914. (1) Hothamton Crescent and coat of arms of Sir For further information on the Clock Tower Richard Hotham. Otterham House, next to Niagara House was The Ice House is 6 metres deep and about a good place to start is “ A Tall Story” the No’s 6 and 7 of Spencer Terrace at the sale of four metres in diameter and is considered story of the Clock Tower at Hotham Park The building originally formed three Sir Richard Hotham’s estate in 1800. Known to be one of the only surviving undamaged House Bognor Regis, West Sussex complied residencies 123 feet long with around 50 as Slindon House between c1870 and 1941 examples of an Ice House in West Sussex. by Sylvia Endacott published by Hotham rooms and a tea room under the dome. (1) It and was purchased by the County Council Owned by Arun District Council as part of Park Heritage Trust. was designed in size and scale for its intended after World War II. the Hotham Park estate it was restored in a uent clientele. Anthony Dale who was an 1970. Continue northwards up from the clock architectural historian described Dome House The main part of Spencer Terrace was No’s. tower towards the Lodge in the Short Term as one of the fi nest example of buildings of the 2 to 5 in 1800 and like many of the buildings The Ice House completes the Sir Richard car park exiting the park and crossing the period on the South Coast. became a school in 1845, initially Hope Hotham element of Trail 3 and walkers can road into Upper Bognor Road. Access to House Academy for gentlemen, after 1866 Dr either carry on and visit the Railway Station Dome House, Mordington and St Michael’s Sir Richard’s ambition of bringing royalty to his Alfred Conder’s Middleton School and from and Picturedrome cinema a short walk is via the entrance to Chichester University bathing resort came in September 1796 when the 1913 to 1962 was Northcli¥ e House School. along London Road. Alternatively walk Bognor Regis Campus where the buildings then Prince of Wales came to visit his mistress The Building was acquired by the County through the Car Park and explore Hotham today form part of the University Lady Jersey who was staying at Dome House. (1) Council for student accommodation, and Park and explore its many attractions The Prince Regent’s daughter, Charlotte, was a then converted into private fl ats in 2000. including the Tree Trail, miniature railway, summer visitor from 1808 to 1811. Alice in Wonderland characters, Forest No 1 Spencer Terrace (Redgate House) was Falls Adventure golf or have a drink or In 1946 the building was acquired by West also a school until World War II. Sussex County Council as a teaching centre for snack at the café. troops returning from the War as part of their repatriation. 6 The Shrubbery Bognor Regis’s tradition as a centre for Further along Upper Bognor Road is The Education and learning and the subsequent Shrubbery originally called Garden Cottage formation of the Bognor Regis Campus of and described as being at the entrance Chichester University are intertwined as a part to Hothamton. From the 1820s it was a of this story. parsonage for the minister of St John’s Chapel in the Steyne. It was renamed The Today all three buildings are part of the Bognor Shrubbery in 1880 with a new front added Regis Campus continuing the education and in 1900, and became a welfare centre for learning heritage. evacuees in the war and later an annex to the training college before conversion to private 2 fl ats in 2000. 7
bognorregistrails.co.uk TRAIL 3 Simply follow the numbered trail on the map and read the corresponding The Trail Map numbered descriptions and selection of images throughout this leafl et.
6 5 4 3
7
2
END HERE 1 8 9 START HERE
3 4 5 6
2 The Clock Tower 3 Dome House 4 Niagara House 7 The Ice House (Hothamton Crescent) On leaving the campus and heading north The Ice House was originally part of the The Grade II* Listing describes the clock on Upper Bognor Road at its junction Hotham Park Estate and gives you some tower to the north west of the building as Upper Bognor Road with Mead Lane is Niagara House. This is idea of the size and extent of the original being built of four sections, each set back possibly an older property with a Georgian grounds. It is thought to date back to 1792 within the lower section. It has clock faces Hothamton Crescent, comprised three façade. Princess Charlotte who stayed at for storage and preservation of food for on the north and south sides of the top separate buildings; Dome House, Mordington Dome House purchased buns from a shop the House. The brick structure as seen section with the cupola containing the bell and St Michaels’s originally containing seven on the Mead Lane site. today would originally been covered with supported on 8 columns. A weather vane residences. All three buildings were built by a layer of soil with trees planted around it sits on top of the cupola. Sir Richard Hotham in the 1790s with the aim for shade. of attracting Royalty to his developing resort John Twaites of Clerkenwell designed the away from Weymouth and Brighton. 5 Spencer Terrace The entrance is north facing and the vault clock and mechanism with the bell cast by below ground would have been fl oored Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London, which Dome House is Bognor’s only Grade I listed Continuing on Upper Bognor Road is Spencer with pebbles for drainage and the vault has cast other famous bells during its history building and was the centrepiece of the Terrace also built by Sir Richard Hotham packed with ice and straw as part of the including ‘Big Ben’.The Hotham Park Clock crescent. The building is constructed with in 1790. It is named after Lord Spencer, a preservation process. William Fletcher Tower Bell was cast in 1794 and weighs 3 multi coloured bricks with an imposing front politician and neighbour of Sir Richard when continued to use the Ice House for cwt, 2qts, 3 lbs and 8 ozs (175 kgs). entrance and is surmounted with a plaque of he lived in Wimbledon. preserving ice up to about 1914. (1) Hothamton Crescent and coat of arms of Sir For further information on the Clock Tower Richard Hotham. Otterham House, next to Niagara House was The Ice House is 6 metres deep and about a good place to start is “ A Tall Story” the No’s 6 and 7 of Spencer Terrace at the sale of four metres in diameter and is considered story of the Clock Tower at Hotham Park The building originally formed three Sir Richard Hotham’s estate in 1800. Known to be one of the only surviving undamaged House Bognor Regis, West Sussex complied residencies 123 feet long with around 50 as Slindon House between c1870 and 1941 examples of an Ice House in West Sussex. by Sylvia Endacott published by Hotham rooms and a tea room under the dome. (1) It and was purchased by the County Council Owned by Arun District Council as part of Park Heritage Trust. was designed in size and scale for its intended after World War II. the Hotham Park estate it was restored in a uent clientele. Anthony Dale who was an 1970. Continue northwards up from the clock architectural historian described Dome House The main part of Spencer Terrace was No’s. tower towards the Lodge in the Short Term as one of the fi nest example of buildings of the 2 to 5 in 1800 and like many of the buildings The Ice House completes the Sir Richard car park exiting the park and crossing the period on the South Coast. became a school in 1845, initially Hope Hotham element of Trail 3 and walkers can road into Upper Bognor Road. Access to House Academy for gentlemen, after 1866 Dr either carry on and visit the Railway Station Dome House, Mordington and St Michael’s Sir Richard’s ambition of bringing royalty to his Alfred Conder’s Middleton School and from and Picturedrome cinema a short walk is via the entrance to Chichester University bathing resort came in September 1796 when the 1913 to 1962 was Northcli¥ e House School. along London Road. Alternatively walk Bognor Regis Campus where the buildings then Prince of Wales came to visit his mistress The Building was acquired by the County through the Car Park and explore Hotham today form part of the University Lady Jersey who was staying at Dome House. (1) Council for student accommodation, and Park and explore its many attractions The Prince Regent’s daughter, Charlotte, was a then converted into private fl ats in 2000. including the Tree Trail, miniature railway, summer visitor from 1808 to 1811. Alice in Wonderland characters, Forest No 1 Spencer Terrace (Redgate House) was Falls Adventure golf or have a drink or In 1946 the building was acquired by West also a school until World War II. Sussex County Council as a teaching centre for snack at the café. troops returning from the War as part of their repatriation. 6 The Shrubbery Bognor Regis’s tradition as a centre for Further along Upper Bognor Road is The Education and learning and the subsequent Shrubbery originally called Garden Cottage formation of the Bognor Regis Campus of and described as being at the entrance Chichester University are intertwined as a part to Hothamton. From the 1820s it was a of this story. parsonage for the minister of St John’s Chapel in the Steyne. It was renamed The Today all three buildings are part of the Bognor Shrubbery in 1880 with a new front added Regis Campus continuing the education and in 1900, and became a welfare centre for learning heritage. evacuees in the war and later an annex to the training college before conversion to private 2 fl ats in 2000. 7
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which today are private residences. residences. private are today which
Mr Abraham Singer and converted into luxury fl ats ats fl luxury into converted and Singer Abraham Mr
The house was acquired and renovated in 1977 by by 1977 in renovated and acquired was house The
east corner of Hotham Park close to the bandstand. bandstand. the to close Park Hotham of corner east
The start of the trail is Hotham Park House at the south south the at House Park Hotham is trail the of start The
TRAIL 3 STARTS HERE STARTS 3 TRAIL
PARK OFF LONDON ROAD CLOSE TO THE ICE HOUSE. ICE THE TO CLOSE ROAD LONDON OFF PARK
Lodge (pictured below). (pictured Lodge
HIGH STREET. THE LARGER LONG STAY CAR PARK IS LOCATED NEXT TO HOTHAM HOTHAM TO NEXT LOCATED IS PARK CAR STAY LONG LARGER THE STREET. HIGH
From 1815, the House was renamed Bersted Bersted renamed was House the 1815, From
of Regency style. Regency of FROM THE ROUNDABOUT ON UPPER BOGNOR ROAD AT THE JUNCTION WITH WITH JUNCTION THE AT ROAD BOGNOR UPPER ON ROUNDABOUT THE FROM
building demonstrates many of the attributes attributes the of many demonstrates building
SHORT STAY (LODGE) CAR PARK WITHIN THE PARK ITSELF IS ACCESSED DIRECTLY DIRECTLY ACCESSED IS ITSELF PARK THE WITHIN PARK CAR (LODGE) STAY SHORT the house and the clock tower. clock the and house the
P P
removed during renovations in 1977). The The 1977). in renovations during removed
included a private chapel built at the rear of of rear the at built chapel private a included THERE ARE TWO CAR PARKS IN AND ADJACENT TO HOTHAM PARK. THE SMALLER SMALLER THE PARK. HOTHAM TO ADJACENT AND IN PARKS CAR TWO ARE THERE
supported on trellis columns (this was was (this columns trellis on supported
in Bognor. Known then as Chapel House it it House Chapel as then Known Bognor. in
the verandah is an iron balcony with hood hood with balcony iron an is verandah the
of the Lodge in 1792 as his main residence residence main his as 1792 in Lodge the of
verandah raised above ground level. Above Above level. ground above raised verandah
Hotham Park House was built to the north north the to built was House Park Hotham
linked on the ground fl oor by an arcaded arcaded an by oor fl ground the on linked
element in the development of the history and culture of the town. the of culture and history the of development the in element and parapet. 2 large bays, which are are which bays, large 2 parapet. and demolished in 1937. in demolished
basement, 10 windows, Stuccoed Cornice Cornice Stuccoed windows, 10 basement, named Bognor Lodge. This building was was building This Lodge. Bognor named
after his death in 1799. The buildings do however represent an important important an represent however do buildings The 1799. in death his after
building comprising 2 storeys and semi semi and storeys 2 comprising building a farmhouse into his fi rst mansion in 1787 1787 in mansion rst fi his into farmhouse a
These building are not directly linked to Sir Richard Hotham, being built long long built being Hotham, Richard Sir to linked directly not are building These The Listed building status describes the the describes status building Listed The At Bognor Sir Richard Hotham converted converted Hotham Richard Sir Bognor At
The fi nal part of the Trail fi nishes at the Railway Station and Picturedrome. Picturedrome. and Station Railway the at nishes fi Trail the of part nal fi The to the public in 1947. 1947. in public the to home of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. Lady and Nelson Lord of home
grounds and neighbouring land and opened opened and land neighbouring and grounds into Merton Place, which became the future future the became which Place, Merton into
Fletcher, who was interested in Arboriculture, in association with Kew Gardens. Gardens. Kew with association in Arboriculture, in interested was who Fletcher, Urban District Council in 1946 along with the the with along 1946 in Council District Urban Farm in Merton in Surrey and developed it it developed and Surrey in Merton in Farm
The building was acquired by Bognor Regis Regis Bognor by acquired was building The development. In 1764 he purchased Moat Moat purchased he 1764 In development.
Park Heritage Trust. The gardens were developed in the early 1900s by William William by 1900s early the in developed were gardens The Trust. Heritage Park
Sir Richard Hotham was not new to property property to new not was Hotham Richard Sir
and leased to Government ministries. Government to leased and
Hotham Park is owned by Arun District Council with the support of the Hotham Hotham the of support the with Council District Arun by owned is Park Hotham
During the war the building was requisitioned requisitioned was building the war the During Hotham Park House). (1) (1) House). Park Hotham
to build Chapel House (Today known as as known (Today House Chapel build to
one of the best preserved examples of its kind in West Sussex. West in kind its of examples preserved best the of one
as Hotham Park. (1) (1) Park. Hotham as
close to Bognor Lodge on which he was was he which on Lodge Bognor to close
goldfi sh. The fruits of his work we see today today see we work his of fruits The sh. goldfi
The trail includes the Ice House, part of the original Hotham Park Estate and and Estate Park Hotham original the of part House, Ice the includes trail The the current Royal Norfolk Hotel and a fi eld eld fi a and Hotel Norfolk Royal current the
also built a lake with water lilies and large large and lilies water with lake a built also
paid £700 for 35 acres immediately east of of east immediately acres 35 for £700 paid
them with magnifi cent trees and shrubs. He He shrubs. and trees cent magnifi with them
with the hope that King George III would visit. visit. would III George King that hope the with 1,600 acres of land for his project. Sir Richard Richard Sir project. his for land of acres 1,600
a fortune laying out the grounds and planting planting and grounds the out laying fortune a
(then a small hamlet), he acquired some some acquired he hamlet), small a (then
healthy bathing resort. Dome House, part of Hothamton Crescent, was built built was Crescent, Hothamton of part House, Dome resort. bathing healthy
own interest was Arboriculture and he spent spent he and Arboriculture was interest own
At the start of his grand plans for the town town the for plans grand his of start the At
small crocodiles and giant lizards. William’s William’s lizards. giant and crocodiles small
to attract Royalty to the town thereby increasing its status and popularity as a a as popularity and status its increasing thereby town the to Royalty attract to
her pets included pythons, boa constrictors, constrictors, boa pythons, included pets her seaside spas. seaside
estate. With the building of Hothamton Crescent, Sir Richard Hotham’s aim was was aim Hotham’s Richard Sir Crescent, Hothamton of building the With estate. wife Agnes who had an interest in reptiles; reptiles; in interest an had who Agnes wife starting the trend of the Sussex coast as as coast Sussex the of trend the starting
He moved to the property in 1900 with his his with 1900 in property the to moved He reported by Richard Russell in 1750, thereby thereby 1750, in Russell Richard by reported
The Trail covers Chapel House (Now Hotham Park House), its clock tower and and tower clock its House), Park Hotham (Now House Chapel covers Trail The
was Lord of the Manor of Aldwick at the time. time. the at Aldwick of Manor the of Lord was the treatment of diseases of the glands was was glands the of diseases of treatment the
his son William Holland Ballett Fletcher, who who Fletcher, Ballett Holland William son his sea bathing. The benefi ts of sea water in in water sea of ts benefi The bathing. sea
building at the start of the creation of Bognor as it was known at the time. the at known was it as Bognor of creation the of start the at building
In 1899, it was renamed Aldwick Manor by by Manor Aldwick renamed was it 1899, In a period of ill health to take the benefi ts of of ts benefi the take to health ill of period a
This trail explores the buildings which Sir Richard Hotham was instrumental in in instrumental was Hotham Richard Sir which buildings the explores trail This Sir Richard fi rst visited Bognor in 1784 during during 1784 in Bognor visited rst fi Richard Sir
but the clock tower was retained. was tower clock the but
demolished the chapel shortly after in 1859 1859 in after shortly chapel the demolished parkland, which is open to the public. the to open is which parkland,
The Sir Richard Hotham Trail Hotham Richard Sir The
on the 18th May 1857 for £8,500, he he £8,500, for 1857 May 18th the on is surrounded by 9 hectares (22 acres) of of acres) (22 hectares 9 by surrounded is
John Ballett Fletcher purchased the property property the purchased Fletcher Ballett John Hotham Park House is Grade II* listed and and listed II* Grade is House Park Hotham
TRAIL 3 TRAIL Hotham Park House House Park Hotham 1 1
8 The Railway Station 9 The Picturedrome Carry on down London Road and turning The Cinema was originally built as the New right into Lyon Street West will bring you Assembly Rooms and opened in May 1886. It to The Railway Station. The opening of the was renamed The Queen’s Hall in Coronation TAILORED WALKS branch line from Barnham in 1864 followed year 1911 and the octagonal lantern Tower UNLOCKING THE BEST by the pier just one year later was a major had a pedal powered revolving light. OF BOGNOR REGIS’ factor in increasing the popularity of the RICH HISTORY town as a seaside resort with the growth of It became a cinema opening of the 5th June day trippers. 1919 and had various owners including Cannon, Classic and ABC Cinemas. The present station building was completed in 1902 at a cost of £68,000 creating the Under the threat of closure in 2009 by its imposing building replacing the original then owners The Bognor Pier Company Ltd, wooden structure, which burnt down in it was Grade II listed for preservation and 1899. Under threat of demolition it was purchased by Bognor Regis Town Council Grade II listed in 1989 as a complete example in 2010. The Cinema is operated by the of an Edwardian Seaside Terminus. The Picturedrome Electric Theatre Company station has undergone further restoration and has undergone £1 million investment with £2milllon investment in a Creative in screens and cinema technology. Today Digital Hub in 2018 and new paved it provides fi lmgoers with a low cost venue pedestrian and landscaped frontage to the compared with the major Cinema multiple station. chains. Opposite the Station on Canada Grove is the Picturedrome Cinema. TRAIL 3 TRAIL 3 ENDS HERE The Picturedrome ends The Sir Richard Hotham Trail The ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sir Richard Thanks to Ron Iden and the Bognor Regis An article from The Argus May 2015 by Sylvia Local History Society for use of “A series of Endacott on Hothamton Crescent. Three walks around Bognor Regis – Walk Hotham A Tall Story, The story of the Clock Tower at Number One”, A Brief History of Bognor Regis Hotham Park House compiled by 2008 and reprinted 2011 by Ron Iden. Sylvia Endacott. Trail The series of three booklets were combined into one publication: Bognor Regis; Buildings of Images by Darren Crisp, Richard Bettles & Interest, by Ron Iden published by BRLHS in 2010. Kenneth Blamires. Bersted Lodge image by kind permission of RIBA. (1) Gerard Young. The History of Bognor Regis (1983)
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