Development, Kitchen Design and Supply of Kitchenware and Home Furnishings

 History

Although historical details of the site at Burton Park date from the 13th century, the first mansion to be built here was in 1520 by the Goring family who them established a deer park by 1590. This was also when many of the existing immense Oak and Sweet Chestnut trees were planted.

The present mansion, built in 1831 for John Biddulph to designs by Henry Bassett RA, is the third known building on the site. Constructed in the Greek revival style it replaced a house, designed by the noted Palladian architect, Giacomo Leoni, built in 1738 and burned down in 1826.

The outstanding Regency staircase, of National importance, was installed following the demolition in 1828 of Michaelgrove, near Arundel and has given Burton House its Grade I listing.

On John Biddulph's demise, ownership passed through the family and onto Sir Douglas Hall towards the end of the last century. In 1919, the Courtaulds, founders of the renowned textile conglomerate, became the proud owners of the Estate. For the purposes of enhancing the Mansion and parkland, they were perfectly matched. It was Major and Mrs Courtauld who were responsible for laying out the fine gardens of the Mansion, which today form an important feature of the estate.

By 1940 Burton Park was  a fine example of a slow growth Great House Estate and became of great architectural, historical, landscape and horticultural interest, constituting a worthy part of England's cultural heritage.

From 1941 until 1945, the estate was occupied by the army and extended after which it was acquired by St. Michael's School. A series of unsuitable extensions and additions took place around the Mansion and within the Walled Garden.

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