Cowdray House

Midhurst, West Sussex

by Nigel Sadler

This section of my site features my fascination and research work into the ruins of one of England's great houses, that of Cowdray, outside the West Sussex village of Midhurst.

Started in the early 16th century on the site of an earlier building, this nobel house became the home of the Browne family, later the Viscount Montagues and a repository of some of the key artefacts from English history. Its heyday fell during the Tudor period and architecturally I believe it could be compared to that of many of the great palaces and country houses of that time (Hampton Court).

Its destruction by fire in 1790 was a great loss, but romantic ruins remain to hint at its former glory.

The pages that follow are based on a brief history I wrote in 1978. More information will be added from time to time, including my attempts at original reconstructions based on archaeological and historical evidence.

Introduction to first and second editions - 1978

Home & Introduction | Location, Midhurst & Area | Guide to Cowdray | Destruction by Curse? | Cowdray in Ruins | Appendix | Tour | Photo Gallery

© Nigel Sadler 1978 - 2008 | Business | anti-spam email: nigel at herriott-sadler dot co dot uk