Heritage Lottery funding for Portslade Old Manor House

The remains of one of the oldest Manor Houses in the country will be preserved and its story brought to life by a group of Portslade enthusiasts.

Members of Fresh Start Portslade group have been awarded Heritage Lottery Funding (under the Small Grants Scheme), to research and raise the profile of the historic Grade 11 listed Portslade Old Manor House.

The group has been working with Brighton & Hove City Council, which owns the site, to submit the bid for the project which aims to raise awareness of the importance of the Manor, and celebrate Portslade’s heritage since 1066.

Hidden away behind St Nicolas Church, Portslade Old Manor House is one of a very few examples of Norman Manor Houses that still exist in England. The ruins include parts of the original east and south walls as well as part of an early 17th century west wing extension.

Medieval manor houses are extremely rare in this country and Portslade Manor House has been declared a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II listed building.

Volunteer training

The Lottery Funding will be used to provide support and training for a team of 15 local people to research the history of the Manor, and its importance to Portslade over the last 900 years.

The research will be displayed on information boards around the Old Manor site, giving a timeline from the 11th century to the present day.

Volunteers will be trained in heritage conservation and grounds maintenance to become guardians of the site, ensuring its upkeep and protection for future generations.

Bringing history to life

Councillor Alan Robins, a trustee of Fresh Start and chair of the council’s tourism, development and culture committee said:

“We are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised the importance of preserving Portslade Old Manor House.

“The Manor Ruins are currently hidden behind fencing, with few people having any knowledge of their history. Our project will open up the site, preserve what is left of this important building and bring its fascinating history to life for future generations.”

Work on the project is due to start in April.

For more information, visit the Portslade History website.