Eridge Park - A short history

Eridge Park is steeped in history being reputedly the oldest enclosed Deer Park in England. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book, where it is called Reredfelee, and at that time was owned by Odo, the brother of William the Conqueror.

The Nevill family inherited the Estate in 1448 and have been here ever since. Henry VIIIth often hunted here and Queen Elizabeth I spent six days at Eridge in August 1573. There was a flourishing iron foundry here in the 16th century when a series of mill ponds was created to provide a good supply of water to power the forge.

In 1787 Henry Nevill, the 2nd Earl of Abergavenny, began building Eridge Castle in exuberant Strawberry Hill Gothic style and in the years following, the landscape was enhanced by opening up vistas, walks and carriage drives, the construction of follies (most notably Saxonbury Tower and the castellated wall at Sham Farm) and the rebuilding of old workers' cottages in ornate Estate style.

The Prince of Wales was a frequent visitor at Eridge shooting parties in the late 1800s, as was Disraeli who, it is said, came here for the venison and strawberries.

In the late 1930s the Castle was demolished and the current Georgian style mansion house was built, which is now the home of the VIth Marquess of Abergavenny, and his family.

The house and formal gardens still enjoy stunning and peaceful views over the Park, although the estate today is also home to a myriad of small businesses occupying former farm and estate buildings, as well as providing a unique venue for weddings and private parties, open air concerts, game and country fairs, film locations and many more.

Eridge Park Events Ltd
Eridge Park
Eridge Green
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN3 9JT

Tel: +44 (0)8452 600708
Fax: +44 (0)1892 750417
Email: events@eridgepark.co.uk