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Polesden Lacey, Surrey

There has been a house at Polesden Lacey in one form or another since at least 1336. The name derives from Herbert de Polesden who traded land in this area in the twelfth century, and the family of John Lacey, who owned Polesden Lacey in the fourteenth century.

Polesden Lacey's most famous owner was the eighteenth century playwright and MP Richard Sheridan. But the house he owned largely disappeared when the property was rebuilt in 1921 to the design of Thomas Cubitt, the developer of Belgravia. Sarah Bradford says in her biography of George VI that Polesden Lacey is "neither grand nor historic... it's atmosphere, rather like that of Sandringham, was reminiscent of an extremely luxurious Edwardian hotel." (George VI by Sarah Bradford P111) However, this luxurious Edwardian hotel was to be a centre of the social scene in 1920s and 1930s England, and would host historic figures. The owner of Polesden Lacey following its rebuilding was Mrs Ronald Greville, or "Maggie" as she was known. Her father had been William McEwan, who had made a fortune in brewing. On his wife's death, McEwan sought solace with his housekeeper, and "Maggie" Greville was their daughter. Maggie, perhaps in reflection of her insecure early life, grew up ferociously avaricious for money and social prestige. She found herself a rich husband, the Hon Ronald Greville, and set about living the high life as mistress of Polesden Lacey.

Mrs Greville certainly made an impression. Harold Nicolson described her as a "fat slug filled with venom." Cecil Beaton called her "a galumphing, greedy, snobbish old toad who watered her chops at the sight of royalty." (Quoted Bradford P111) She was, however, a favourite with the traditional set which surrounded the Duke of York, the future George VI, and his wife Elizabeth. The royal couple were to spend their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey in April 1923. It is also the case that while members of the social elite often came in for vicious treatment from Mrs Greville's waspish tongue, she was always liked by her servants. She put up with the drunken misdemeanors of her two butlers Boles and Bacon. "On one occasion when Austen Chamberlain and his daughter were dining, Mrs Greville, noticing that one of the pair was more than usually intoxicated, scribbled a note on the back of a place card, 'You're drunk. Leave the room at once' and handed it to him. The butler placed the note on a silver salver and presented it to Chamberlain who put on his eye glasses, studied it, and sat in stupefied silence for the rest of the meal." (Bradford P 110)

 

 

 

 

 

Opening Times:

House

March 3rd to October 31st, Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 5pm.

Note that not all of the house is open to visitors. Much of it is used as a regional administrative centre for the National Trust.

Garden

Open all year round, everyday, 10am - 4pm and 10am - 5pm from 13th February to 31st October.

There is a shop and tea room which is open all year round. The property is closed from 24th - 26th December.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.

 

 

 

Address: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD

Directions: Polesden Lacey is five miles north west of Dorking, Surrey, off the A246. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Polesden Lacey.

Access: There is a designated parking area next to the Stable Courtyard. Manual wheelchairs and powered mobility vehicles are available to book in advance. The buildings, and most of the grounds are wheelchair accessible, though there are slopes. Adapted toilet facilities are available. Braille and large print guides are available.

Contact:

telephone 01372 452048

infoline: 01372 458203

e-mail: polesdenlacey@nationaltrust.org.uk

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For plants to complete your garden click on the link below.