History of Field Place

Steeped in history and situated in eight acres of pleasant grounds stands Field Place, its elegant Georgian façade being attributed to its mid 18th century owners.

The interior of the house contains fine carved fireplaces and original Jacobean oak panelling.  The Oak room houses the original device of the Cooke family who owned and lived in the house for over three centuries.

Field Place - Main Building

The next family to own the estate were the Westbrooke-Richardsons. Followed by the Henty family in the mid 18th Century, who were very successful in business and farming.

During the agricultural depression the Henty’s revenue declined and Thomas Henty, the younger son of Sarah and Thomas began to write from Field Place to his business contacts in Australia to enquire about land and prospect there for his family. Eventually after much planning he set sail from Littlehampton in the 'Caroline' and ' Fourth of Alloway' with his wife Frances Elizabeth, their children George, James, Charles, Edward, Jane, William, John, Stephen and Francis, a flock of Merino sheep newly acquired from the flocks of King George III and dressed in flannel coats against the wind, agricultural equipment and staff – accounting for half the village of Tarring.

Field Place - The Barn (Small)

On arrival in Australia the family found life very hard but eventually prospered in banking, farming, politics and business. The youngest son of the family, Francis, later built a house in 1876 called Field Place in Melbourne, Australia. The house still stands today.

Towards the end of the 19th century Colonel E.W.Margerson, who also owned Findon, occupied the house. In 1909 Alfred Bates purchased the house and spent £250,000 on renovations, including the installation of an underground electrical supply. After the death of Alfred Bates the house was remodelled and became the Manor Country Club.

Like many country houses Field Place was utilised by our forces during World War ll.  The RAF used the Estate and surrounding areas to test early radar.

After being de-commissioned the Estate was once again used as a Country Club before being purchased by Worthing Borough Council in 1956 for £17,500.

Improvements were made to the out buildings and main house, revealing much of the original splendid panelling and stonework. Reopened in 1988/89 Field Place is now the ideal setting for wedding receptions, seminars, corporate and private hires.

Field Place - Wedding at the Pavilion