Preston Drove (A)

Preston Manor

Neighbourhood:

1926

2019

James Gray: The view across Preston Road to Preston Manor before the widening of the road and the removal of the old flint wall. jgc_18_177

2019: The main entrance to Preston Manor is now accessed via Preston Drove, just east of the corner of Preston Road seen here. The flint wall is gone and has been replaced by open garden adjoining the driveway and shrubbery to the perimeter. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

1935

2019

James Gray: Three photographs all taken on the same day, 13 April 1935. The stables and the two cottages, seen here, were removed in the following year when the roadway was widened opposite South Road. When the Stanford family occupied Preston Manor, their butler lived in one of these cottages. Lodge of the Manor, occupied by some of the staff. jgc_18_166

1935

2019

James Gray: Compare these photographs with those on previous pages, particularly the large one, circa 1914. From these it is evident that there had been an earlier widening of Preston Road in this vicinity, probably in 1928, when the Preston Park railings were removed. jgc_18_168

1897

2018

James Gray: Photograph showing the servants at the Manor, many of whom have been identified (2007). jgc_18_162

2018: Preston Manor was bequeathed to Brighton Corporation by the Stanford family in 1932 and subsequently became a museum and exhibition venue.

In addition to multiple other activities, there has been a traditional Father Christmas event for children every year at Preston Manor since 2014 and, previously, at the Royal Pavilion since 2008. This new image taken in December 2018, captures staff and volunteers supporting this event. From left to right back row: Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Venue Officer) with red sash, Rosemary Faulkner (Learning Assistant), Beryl Ballard (volunteer), David Ballard (volunteer). In the next row are Penny Balchin (Learning Assistant), Maid with mob cap and Rebecca Lean (Visitor Services Officer), Maid. In the front row is Louise Peskett (Learning Assistant).

The narrative on the original image advises that many of the servants from 1897 were identified in 2007. However, this information now appears to have been lost. With thanks to invaluable help and support from Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Venue Officer), the following assumptions have been sourced from the 1901 census, although none can be confirmed. Top left: Frank Mortimer, coachman, aged 45; Left leaning on the ivy: Benjamin Beasley, butler aged 55 (maybe too young); Middle with beard and straw hat: George Hall, gardener aged 31; Top right smart gent in high collar and straw hat: William Coles, footman aged 18 (chosen for his good looks, as was customary for footmen). There are two boys looking young enough to be 17 year old Frank Mortimer, carpenter’s apprentice (the Manor had a carpentry workshop over in Preston village). I’m going for the boy at the back on the right in the cap. The boy at the front in a smart suit could also be a footman. Frank Mortimer was the coachman’s son named after his father. The women all look young. None appears old enough to be 45 year old lady’s maid, Mary Bell or cook, Emma Smith aged 44. Women aged much faster at that time. Mid 40s would look old. These women could be: Ada Brown, housemaid aged 30 (middle?) Elizabeth Doggett (or Duggett) housemaid aged 18 on the right by the shutter, she looks the youngest. Other women listed in 1901 were, Rosina Smith, kitchen maid aged 21, Emily Mortimer aged 39, the coachman’s wife and Kate Hall aged 26, the gardener’s wife. Everyone is dressed in their finest outfit. I imagine they are wearing the best clothes they owned so it’s hard to judge their occupation and status. No man goes hatless! (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

Pre 1914

2019

James Gray: This photograph shows the complete solitude of this solid middle-class residential road of detached villas, with stables and coachman’s quarters behind at the end of the back gardens. Railed off from the public Preston Park, the Manor was then privately owned and occupied by the Stanford family. jgc_18_163

2019: See also jgc_18_161 and 192 below. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

c1910

2019

James Gray: The scented garden for the blind was laid out in the foreground of the garden. When this was done the broad flight of steps was removed. jgc_18_192

2019: The south side of Preston Manor today, its ivy-clad walls now cleared and, in the foreground, the garden laid to lawn. See also jgc_18_161 and 163. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

1897

2018

James Gray: At this time, of course, the Manor was owned and occupied by the Stanford family. The tower was demolished to first floor level, between 1903 and 1906. At this same time the present west wing was built by H J Penfold, of North Road, Preston. jgc_18_160

2018: The southern entrance (garden door) to Preston Manor today minus the tower demolished to first-floor level at some time between 1903 and 1906. See also jgc_18_162. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)

1897

2018

James Gray: A view of the front of the Manor showing the bowling green. jgc_18_161

2018: The southern wing of Preston Manor today looking across from Preston Park. The walls are no longer clad with ivy which must have been a monumental task to maintain. The tower was demolished to first-floor level between 1903 and 1906. See also jgc_18_163 and 192. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)