ADVERTORIAL

Uppark is most well known for the devastating fire and resulting restoration in 1989 but there is so much more to it than just that event.

The house and garden sit proudly on top of the South Downs enjoying some of the best views in Sussex. The Earl of Tankerville built the house in 1690 when he had found a way to get water pumped up from the village, but nearly lost it due to his political wheeler dealing.

A later owner, Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh and his wife Sarah filled the house with their Grand Tour treasures and Sarah brought her amazing Dolls House to Uppark, a rare survival and an inspiration for the one created for Queen Mary. If their son, Sir Harry, was alive today he would frequently appear in the tabloid press for his various exploits.

He was a friend of the Prince of Wales, later the Prince Regent, and they enjoyed the high life with lots of parties, women, gambling and wine.

In 1783 a young woman called Emma was brought here by Sir Harry to entertain his guests. Through Sir Harry she became known to Lord Hamilton, the British Ambassador to Naples.

She later married him and became Lady Hamilton and, through her relationship with Nelson, was probably the most famous woman in the world at that time. In 1825 Sir Harry was 70 years old and as yet unmarried.

After hearing a young maid called Mary Ann singing in the dairy at Uppark he proposed to her and the 20-year-old daughter of the gamekeeper became mistress of Uppark. Their marriage lasted for more than 20 years, but Sir Harry died without children and Mary Ann inherited everything.

At this time a previous maid returned to the house as housekeeper. Her name was Sarah Wells and her teenage son would often visit and spend time here. This proved pivotal in the growing imagination and creativity of young Herbert George that was to allow him to become the founding father of science fiction.

Today you can explore the house that gave HG Wells the inspiration for his writing and see the Dolls House he was allowed to play with “under supervision”.

The first Wednesday of each month an extra room is open. The Print Room was created by Sarah and is a rare survival of a lady’s pastime and the views from the first floor are amazing. The Admiral, who with his son gave the house to the Trust, used to watch the shipping in the Solent from the window and make comments on their navigation.

The garden was created by successive owners as a surround to the house and provides a beautiful and peaceful place for you to walk through or find a quiet spot to enjoy a good book. Each Thursday at 2pm there is a garden tour telling you more about the garden, its history and what is happening now.

If the weather decides not to allow this then the tunnels are always worth a look.

No visit would be complete without a trip to the restaurant for afternoon tea with a view and checking out the shop for that unusual gift or souvenir of your day.

Uppark House and Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5QR. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark/ or call 01730 825857.