Village green and wealthy Portslade

Summary

This video script narrates the rich history of Southport Slade, from its ancient cattle paths to its evolution into village greens. It highlights the annual fair granted by King Edward II in 1312 and the medieval recreational activities of the villagers. The script also describes various mansions, including the Victorian Witchcoat and the Georgian Mana Lodge, illustrating the area's architectural heritage and the influence of wealthy families like the Muse brothers and the Hall family.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The ancient right of way at the bottom end of the green allowed farmers to move cattle from Southport Slade to better grazing on the Downs to the north.
• 🏡 The right of way evolved into a general access for villagers, marking the beginning of Village greens for leisure.
• 🎉 In 1312, John dearen, Lord of Portslade man, was granted a license by King Edward II to hold an annual fair on December 6th, St. Nicholas' feast day.
• 🏞 The lush hills and valleys of Portslade attracted the Normans in the medieval period for hunting deer and wild boar.
• 🚫 Hunting was restricted to the Lords of the manor and nobility, with severe punishments for peasants who violated the rules.
• 🎲 Peasants enjoyed their own forms of recreation, including gambling with dice and mob football, as well as the lost art of shin kicking.
• 🚫 In 1647, Christmas was banned in Port Slade, a historical event that can be further explored through the provided link.
• 🏰 Directly north of the green stands the Witchcoat, an 8-bedroom Victorian mansion built in 1895 by the Muse brothers, wealthy owners of Portate Brewery.
• 🏡 The Georgian Mansion of Mana Lodge, an eight-bedroom house with 5 acres of land, was owned by various notable figures, including John Bur before he became Lord of Portslade Manor.
• 🏠 Other mansions in the area include Cemps in the old village and Eel House within the park grounds, showcasing the architectural heritage of the region.
• ⏳ The once magnificent Poole Slade House, owned by the Hall family, no longer stands, representing the passage of time and the changes in local landmarks.

Q & A

What is the significance of the ancient right of way at the bottom end of the green?

The ancient right of way allowed farmers to move their cattle from Southport Slade to better grazing on the Downs to the north, and later evolved into a general access for villagers for leisure, marking the start of Village greens.

When was the annual fair in Port Slade first established, and by whom?

The annual fair in Port Slade was first established in 1312 by John dearen, Lord of Port Slade, who was granted a license by King Edward II to hold it on December 6th, the feast day of St. Nicholas.

What was the significance of the Lush Hills and Valleys of Port Slade during the medieval period?

The Lush Hills and Valleys of Port Slade were a great attraction to the Normans in the medieval period, providing opportunities for hunting deer and wild boar for the Lords of the manor and visiting nobility.

What recreational activities were enjoyed by the peasants in Port Slade during the medieval period?

Peasants in Port Slade enjoyed recreational activities such as gambling with dice and mob football, where the ball seemed quite secondary to the sport, and the lost art of shin kicking.

Why was Christmas banned in Port Slade in 1647?

The script does not provide specific reasons for the ban on Christmas in Port Slade in 1647, but it invites the viewer to click on a link at the end for more information.

Who built the Witchcoat, and what was its significance?

Witchcoat was built in 1895 by Herbert Muse, one of the Muse brothers who owned Portate Brewery. It was one of a series of Victorian mansions built by wealthy brewers and was a status symbol of the time.

What is the historical connection between the Muse brothers and Port Slade?

The Muse brothers, who owned Portate Brewery and a large portfolio of pubs, made Port Slade their home. Herbert Muse built the house in front of the viewer, while his brother Walter built the magnificent Lockdale House.

What is the current use of the Witchcoat building?

The Witchcoat building is now used as a language school, and access to it is restricted.

Who owned Mana Lodge, and what is its historical significance?

Mana Lodge was owned by a wine merchant, an air, and John Bur before he became Lord of Port Slade Manor. It is a Georgian Mansion with eight bedrooms and five acres of land, reflecting the wealth and status of its owners.

What can be seen on the tour of Port Slade that indicates the historical wealth and status of its residents?

On the tour, one can see several mansions, including Cemps in the old village, Eel House within the park grounds, and the former Poole Slade House, which were status symbols of their wealthy owners.

What happened to the Poole Slade House that once stood to the West End of the Village High Street?

The Poole Slade House, which was built and owned by the Hall family, is no longer standing. It was a magnificent house that reflected the family's involvement in banking, wine merchant activities, and property and land ownership.