James Gray: Built about 1861 [Withdean Hall] was possibly the first of the several large Villas erected along the stretch of London Road, Withdean, formerly owned by Lady Ogle. A large mansion with 24 bedrooms it remained in private ownership, with several people, for about 70 years. In 1930/31 it became a boys private school and at this time new roads, Withdean Crescent and Varndean Gardens, were built on either side of it and rapidly developed. In 1940, it was requisitioned by the Military and deteriorated.
James Gray: See caption for jgc_34_032 above. A distant view. jgc_34_033
2018: Withdean Hall is now almost totally hidden by foliage from this position today. This photo had to be taken in December, after the leaves have fallen, just to allow you to at least see where the hall is. (Photographer: Bill Kocher)
James Gray: See jgc_34_032. jgc_34_034
2018: Same view, but the hedges have grown to hide some of the Hall’s front. (Photographer: Bill Kocher)