Nonsuch Mansion
| Nonsuch Mansion | |
| Surrey | |
|---|---|
 Nonsuch Mansion | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ23436361 |
| Location: | 51°21’29"N, 0°13’43"W |
| Village: | Cheam |
| History | |
| Built 1731-1743 | |
| For: | Joseph Thompson |
| Country house | |
| Information | |
| Website: | nonsuchmansion.com |
Nonsuch Mansion is a historic house standing within Nonsuch Park in northern Surrey. It is a country house no longer in the countryside as the park has been hemmed in on all sides with suburban growth. The mansion remains resplendent in its location in the park, and serves as a function venue.
The house is a Grade II* listed building.[1] The Friends of Nonsuch are a registered charity.[2]
History
In the Middle Ages, the lands hereabouts were part of the manor of Cuddington, which extended over three thousand acres. Henry VIII chose this place to build his more magnificent palace, known as 'Nonsuch Palace' as there was none such in all the realm. The palace was however largely abandoned after the King's death and sold. It came back to the Crown but Charles II, who had no use for Nonsuch, gave it to one of his mistresses, who demolished the old palace and sold the material.
Nonsuch Mansion was built in the park of the old palace between 1731 and 1743 by Joseph Thompson..It was later bought by Samuel Farmer in 1799. He employed Jeffry Wyatville to rebuild it in a Tudor Gothic style in 1802 to 1806.[1]
Farmer was succeeded by his grandson in 1838 under whom the gardens became famous. Nonsuch Mansion bears a resemblance in its design to the original design of Nonsuch Palace.
In 1937 the Farmer family sold the mansion to a group of local authorities.
Markings on the building
Built within the north porch of the mansion is a block from the original Nonsuch Palace that bears an inscription which means "1543 Henry VIII in the 35th year of His reign."[1]
- I S 4 3
- HENRICV OC
- TAVS*3 S
The Farmer family's crests are noticeable throughout the mansion, bearing a motto 'Hora e sempre' – now and forever.[1]
Outside links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 National Heritage List 1378198: Nonsuch Park House
- ↑ Friends of Nonsuch - Registered Charity no. 1053923 at the Charity Commission