Firle Place

Firle Place

This mansion presents a complex architectural history spanning five centuries. The western half was built in the early 16th century, probably by Sir John Gage, Constable of the Tower during Henry VIII's reign (died 1557), with some portions possibly dating to the late 15th century. The exterior was substantially transformed and "georgianised" by the first Viscount Gage between 1744 and 1754. The eastern half was added between 1754 and 1783 by the second Viscount Gage, son of General Gage who was unsuccessful in the War of American Independence.

The building is constructed in ashlar with two storeys and attic accommodation, retaining its original glazing bars. The tiled roof is of Horsham slabs, with heavy moulded wooden eaves cornices throughout.

The south front contains 16 windows and reveals the building's layered history. At its western end, the only externally visible 16th-century work survives: two window bays beneath a gable, including two original casement windows of three lights each. To the east are four recessed window bays with cornice, followed by a projecting section of taller elevation containing three windows lighting the staircase hall behind which stands the Tudor Hall. The remainder of the front comprises the 18th-century addition, with four recessed window bays, then a balancing projection of two windows, and finally a recessed section with one window and one hipped dormer with modillion cornice.

The north front's western half forms a half-H plan. The centre portion has six windows within stone architrave surrounds beneath a parapet. The projecting wings feature curved bays of three windows each on the ground floor with Gothic glazing and balustrades above, Venetian windows on the first floor with eaves cornices, and one hipped dormer each. Their inner faces contain one window and two hipped dormers apiece. The eastern half, less recessed than the western centre but more projecting than the western wings, comprises seven windows, four hipped dormers, and an eaves cornice. The easternmost bay projects at increased elevation with modillions to its cornice.

The east or entrance front has five windows. The centre projects with a rusticated carriage archway on the ground floor opening into a courtyard within the 18th-century addition. Above this archway stands a Venetian window on the first floor with a pediment, flanked by round dormer windows. The end window bays also project. The front displays a wooden modillion eaves cornice and four hipped dormers.

Internally, the Tudor Hall contains 18th-century decoration. The small Dining Room retains a 15th-century fireplace, and the Staircase Hall features a blocked 16th-century doorway. The Staircase itself is early 18th century. The 18th-century portion contains a gilded Drawing Room and adjoining Library on the ground floor, whilst the entire first floor of the east front is occupied by a Picture Gallery.

To the west of the main building stands a long T-wing containing the Laundry and domestic offices. This structure is probably 16th century in origin, substantially altered in the 18th and 19th centuries. It comprises two storeys with 12 windows and three gables on its south front.