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Lamb House, East Sussex

Lamb House was originally built in 1723 by James Lamb, the mayor of Rye. Between 1898 and 1916 it belonged to the writer Henry James. James bought the house towards the end of his career, and he clearly loved it. The house gave him at least some comfort in the emotional turmoil of his later years: "Only Lamb House is mild, only Lamb House is sane, only Lamb House is true." In 1900 James published a story called The Great Good Place which described an idyllic retreat where balance is found again. There is a display of some of James's personal possessions.

At Lamb House James stares down at visitors in the dining room from the portrait by John Singer Sergeant. He was controlling and aloof in life. He'd invite people to his house, but being the consummate observer he'd hold himself back. The experience might have been much like mine, looking at the silent portrait in the dining room.

My favourite room in the house is the "Telephone Room." This is a small room to the right of the hall, which contained the telephone. James made this room available to his guests for them to do their own writing. As I was a guest I duly sat in the window seat, took out my little notebook and wrote a quick poem:

 

In the room for James's guests to do their own writing

With a telephone and the original lighting.

A manuscript with corrections and personal effects

A presence which wants me here and as you'd expect

Stays aloof and barely says hello

Hello my dear friend, sit down and write

This place is for you

But I must go.

 

The garden at Lamb House

Later the house was owned by authors E.F. Benson and Rumer Godden.

Directions: Lamb House can be found in West Street, Rye, East Sussex. Walk up the steep slope of Mermaid Street, which is a left turn outside the Rye Visitors' Centre. At the top of Mermaid Street turn right into West Street. Lamb House will be on your right. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Lamb House.

Opening Times: The house is open 20th March to 25th October, Thursdays and Saturdays only, 2pm - 6pm.

Access:this is not an easy property for those with mobility problems. There are three steps to the entrance, steps within the house, and the rooms tend to be small. The grounds are partly accessible.

 

Contact:

phone: 01580 762334

web site: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-lambhouse/