The History of Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian house and estate situated on the North Downs at Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, England. The presence of a house on this site dates back to 1336. In 1630, Anthony Rous purchased the estate and rebuilt the existing medieval house. The Rous family maintained ownership of the property until 1723, when it was purchased by Arthur Moore.
The estate underwent significant changes during the early twentieth century. Sir Clinton Edward Dawkins bought the property in 1902. Following the completion of the house, Sir Clinton died in 1905. In 1906, William McEwan acquired the estate for his daughter, Margaret Greville.
Architecture and the Edwardian Mansion
The architectural evolution of Polesden Lacey reflects a transition from a Regency villa to a substantial Edwardian mansion. The structure's footprint was altered in 1723 when an octagonal pavilion was added to the south front. During the early twentieth century, the house underwent a significant remodeling to suit the requirements of Edwardian society. Architects Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis were commissioned by the Greville family to execute these changes, transforming the building into a venue specifically designed for entertaining.
The interior is characterized by formal rooms that maintain the aesthetic sensibilities of the Edwardian era. These spaces are decorated with works by artists such as Raeburn and Reynolds. The layout was intended to facilitate large-scale social gatherings, providing a setting for the high-society functions hosted by the family. The mansion's design emphasizes a sense of order and scale appropriate for its role as a country retreat.
The Greville Family Legacy
The history of the estate is closely tied to Margaret Greville, a prominent Edwardian society hostess. She was the illegitimate daughter and sole heir of William McEwan, the brewer who amassed a significant fortune. Following the death of her husband, Ronald Greville, in 1908 at age 46, Margaret continued to use the house as a venue for high-society gatherings. Her influence shaped the social landscape of the Edwardian era, as she hosted a wide circle of influential figures within the house.
In 1942, Margaret Greville left the property and its extensive grounds to the National Trust. This bequest was made in memory of her father. The gift ensured the preservation of the estate, which included approximately 1,000 acres (400 ha) of land. Along with the landscape, the bequest encompassed the house's collection of paintings and furniture.
Art and Decorative Collections
The interior collections reflect the specific tastes of the Greville family, assembled to facilitate high-society entertaining. The rooms contain a variety of fine furniture, including French and lacquered pieces. These items sit alongside an assortment of porcelain, specifically Sèvres and Meissen. Antique silver is also held within the house, placed among the various decorative objects.
The art collection includes 17th-century Flemish paintings. Among the smaller, more intricate objects are tiny Fabergé animals featuring jewelled eyes. These pieces were part of the acquisitions made to furnish the mansion during the early 20th century.
- The Card Players, 1655 - David Teniers the Younger
- A Landscape with a Herdsman and Bull, 1654 - Aelbert Cuyp
- The Little Golf Players, 1660 - Pieter de Hooch
- An Officer Making his Bow to a Lady - Gerard ter Borch
- Madonna and Child, 1520 - Bernard Van Orley
Visiting the National Trust Estate
The National Trust owns and manages the Polesden Lacey estate. Visitors can explore the grounds through seasonal trails that wind across the landscape. For those seeking outdoor activities, the estate features an open-air performing facility and a campsite that opened in 2016. Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel is also located within the estate boundaries.
Families may visit Kestrel Corner, which serves as the estate's natural play area. The grounds offer a variety of spaces for different types of engagement with the Surrey landscape. The estate remains open to the public, providing access to the mansion's collections and the surrounding parkland.