Oct. 10, 2026 at 11 a.m.

Stansted House: Celebrating the 1920's

Name: Stansted House: Celebrating the 1920's
Start: 2026-10-10T11:00:00
End: 2026-10-10T23:59:59.999999
Location: Stansted Park

Stansted Park

In 1924, Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough purchased Stansted Park as his family home. The family regularly entertained guests at Stansted Park in the 1920s, and during this decade, the 9th Earl established the Stansted Theatre, where family and friends performed three times a year to raise money for local charities. During your visit to Stansted House, you will be welcomed in as if you were a guest of the Bessborough's in the late 1920s. As the sound of the Music Room piano fills the State Rooms, you will see what life was like at Stansted House. Discover more about the famous guests of the Bessborough's as well as the wider Ponsonby family, including Loelia Ponsonby, one of the Bright Young Things of the 1920s and later the Duchess of Westminster, following her marriage in February 1930. Once you have finished exploring the magnificent State Rooms, you will move downstairs to the Servants Quarters. As you walk around the extensive Servants Quarters, you will discover what it was like to be a servant at Stansted Park, and the incredible amount of work that went into hosting guests for the weekend. You will also experience the fun side of servant life, with drop-in Charleston workshops in the Servants Hall; bringing to life the space where staff met, gossiped and partied. Included in the ticket: Free-flow visit to Stansted House, with our knowledgeable stewards available to provide more information and to answer any questions Archival and collection items to see, which are not usually on public display Children's trail around Stansted House and activities Piano performances in the Music Room Drop-in Charleston workshops in the Servants Hall Exhibition on the Stansted Theatre Talks programme throughout the day- subjects tbc

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STANSTED PARK

Wander through the historic Servants' Quarters at Stansted Park, where the echoes of a bygone era come to life. Find tranquility in the elegant St. Paul’s Chapel, a hidden gem of spiritual serenity. Then, lose yourself in the exhilarating twists and turns of the Yew Maze.

Stansted Park

Situated within 1,800 acres of landscaped parkland and ancient forest in West Sussex, Stansted Park stands as a testament to England's rich architectural and social history. The estate's origins trace back to at least 1094, when a hunting lodge was established for Roger de Montgomery, 1st Earl of Arundel. Over the centuries, Stansted Park has evolved through various reconstructions and ownerships, each leaving an indelible mark on its character.

In 1688, Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough, commissioned a new house on the current site, likely designed by the architect William Talman. This construction featured formal gardens, radiating avenues, and expansive parkland. The estate later passed to George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax, who, upon his death in 1771, bequeathed it to his daughter, Anna Donaldson. The property underwent significant modifications in 1782 under subsequent ownership. A devastating fire in 1900 destroyed the main block, but it was meticulously rebuilt in 1903 by architect Arthur Blomfield, adhering to the original footprint and style.

In 1924, Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough, acquired Stansted Park, transforming it into a cherished family residence. During World War II, the estate played a pivotal role, sheltering orphans from Southsea and serving as a hub for the Home Guard. The house endured wartime adversities, including bombings that impacted the grounds and the tragic loss of the estate's theatre in 1942.

In 1983, Frederick Ponsonby, 10th Earl of Bessborough, established the Stansted Park Foundation, a charitable trust dedicated to preserving the estate for public benefit. Today, visitors can explore the grand state rooms, delve into the fully furnished servants' quarters, and find solace in the richly decorated Chapel of St. Paul, which once inspired poet John Keats. The estate also features a yew maze and extensive gardens, offering a glimpse into England's storied past.

Stansted Park remains a vibrant emblem of English heritage, and under the stewardship of the Stansted Park Foundation, the estate continues to enchant visitors, providing a tangible connection to the nation's rich cultural tapestry.