Witley Park
Encyclopedia
Witley Park was a 19th-century house and estate in Surrey
, near Haslemere
.
The estate was developed in 1890 by the fabulously wealthy J. Whitaker Wright
, as part of extensive land – approximately 9000 acre (36 km²; 14 sq mi) – he purchased in the Haslemere and Hindhead
area.
The pre-existing house, originally named Lea Park, was developed into a 32 bedroom mansion, adjacent to artificial lakes and landscaped grounds. In one lake, Whitaker Wright famously built an underwater, glass-roofed ball room.
Whitaker Wright committed suicide and his lands were auctioned, with much of Hindhead Common, Witley Common, Thursley Common etc. ending up in the hands of the National Trust
.
Witley Park was sold to Lord Pirrie, famous for his role in the building of the RMS Titanic.
The Lea Park mansion was burned down in 1952. The park remains, but it is a private home and not open to the public.
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
, near Haslemere
Haslemere
Haslemere is a town in Surrey, England, close to the border with both Hampshire and West Sussex. The major road between London and Portsmouth, the A3, lies to the west, and a branch of the River Wey to the south. Haslemere is approximately south-west of Guildford.Haslemere is surrounded by hills,...
.
The estate was developed in 1890 by the fabulously wealthy J. Whitaker Wright
Whitaker Wright
James Whitaker Wright was an exceptionally wealthy English mining company owner. He became infamous when he committed suicide at the Royal Courts of Justice in London immediately following his conviction for fraud....
, as part of extensive land – approximately 9000 acre (36 km²; 14 sq mi) – he purchased in the Haslemere and Hindhead
Hindhead
Hindhead is a village in Surrey, England, about 11 miles south-west of Guildford. Neighbouring settlements include Haslemere, Grayshott and Beacon Hill. Hindhead is the highest village in Surrey...
area.
The pre-existing house, originally named Lea Park, was developed into a 32 bedroom mansion, adjacent to artificial lakes and landscaped grounds. In one lake, Whitaker Wright famously built an underwater, glass-roofed ball room.
Whitaker Wright committed suicide and his lands were auctioned, with much of Hindhead Common, Witley Common, Thursley Common etc. ending up in the hands of the National Trust
National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as the National Trust, is a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
.
Witley Park was sold to Lord Pirrie, famous for his role in the building of the RMS Titanic.
The Lea Park mansion was burned down in 1952. The park remains, but it is a private home and not open to the public.