 Uppark
High on the Sussex Downs, with distant views of the Solent, sits a red
brick house of pleasing symmetry and simplicity. The elegant building
appears to have enjoyed a remarkably uneventful life in its peaceful
countryside setting but, as is well known, looks can be deceiving. Certainly
Uppark seems to represent the mansion built some 300 years ago for the
1st Earl of Tankerville, and that in itself is probably the greatest
praise that could be bestowed upon the dedicated team of craftsmen who
have re-created its untouched character.
After a devastating
fire in 1989, which substantially ruined much of the internal furnishings
and fittings, and caused the building to become structurally unstable,
Uppark came close to being demolished. Fortunately, the proposal was
quashed and an extensive conservation and rebuilding programme was instigated
to return Uppark back to its former state. By the end of 1994 this
enormous and challenging project had been completed at a total cost of
some £20m.
But the history of Uppark really began when Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh
purchased the estate in 1747 with money he had inherited from a close
family friend. His own standing was further enhanced when he married
into the wealthy Huguenot family of Lethieulliers, and the couple soon
commissioned extensive improvements to Uppark. Meanwhile, they set off
on a two-year Continental tour acquiring furniture, paintings and portraits
to fill their new country seat. Work continued under the direction of
James Paine for many years at Uppark, and he was also responsible for
building Sir Matthew's London house in Whitehall. During the 1770s
the crowning glory of the redecoration was realised in the creation of
the opulent Saloon, work which has also been attributed to Paine
Following Sir Matthew's death, his only son and heir, Sir Harry,
left an extremely colourful legacy of his time at Uppark. Firstly, there
was his relationship with Emma Hart (the future Lady Hamilton,) resulting
in her residing at Uppark in 1780 with Sir Harry 'out of wedlock'.
It was a short-lived affair - she became pregnant and was quickly
dispatched to Cheshire in 1781. He also enjoyed a close acquaintance
with the Prince of Wales, which invariably involved much revelry, gambling
and sporting pursuits. Through Royal circles he developed a lasting friendship
with Humphrey Repton and, when he considered some modernisation of Uppark,
it was Repton who advised Sir Harry. His work included relocating the
main entrance to the north face of the mansion, and enhancing it with
the addition of a stone portico.
In his advancing years, Sir Harry decided to marry - not a wealthy
widow or a well-respected society lady, but his young dairymaid! The
marriage lasted over 20 years until his death in 1846 at age 90. Uppark
passed into the hands of family friends who not only maintained the house,
but took the name of Fetherstonhaugh for continuity. In 1931 Lady Meade-Fetherstonhaugh
was delighted to become the new owner of Uppark, and immediately set
about preserving the original furnishings and fabrics in the house. Her
enthusiasm was relentless, and her work was a real labour of love until
the time she died in 1977. Although Uppark was presented to The National
Trust in 1954, Lady Meade-Fetherstonhaugh and her descendants have continued
to live and work on the estate.
Visitors to Uppark will be able to understand why it remains such a
treasured place. Even though photographs record the seemingly hopeless
devastation of the 20th century fire, it has risen again from the ashes
and the reality is a truly wonderful house that fully embraces the atmosphere
of the 18th century. |
