Henley Park mansion

Image: © Ron Strutt Taken: 24 Sep 2005

Not an altogether inspiring photograph but the only public place from which the house is visible is a footpath on the steep slope beneath it. The estate dates back to the 11th century and its residents included Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, a 'favourite' of Elizabeth I. In 1784 Henley Park and Pirbright Manor were both acquired by Henry Halsey and his family retained it until the house was sold to Vokes in 1940. At the end of the 19th century it was leased by Henry de Worms MP, a leading government minister and friend of the Prince of Wales, who became Lord Pirbright. After Vokes built their new factory and offices the mansion became the company's lavishly equipped sports and social club. It was sold to a property developer in 1982 and remained a derelict and abandoned shell for many years. It has now been redeveloped for residential use and a number more houses have been built in its grounds. (See http://www.normandyhistorians.co.uk/vokes.html )

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