Firle Place facts for kids
Firle Place is a beautiful old house located in Firle, East Sussex, in the United Kingdom. It's a special place that has been owned by the Gage family for a very long time. They first got the land in the 1400s.
The main house was built in the late 1400s by Sir John Gage. He was an important person who held many big jobs for King Henry VIII. He even helped carry out the King's wishes after he died.
From the outside, Firle Place looks like a grand French castle or "chateau." This is because it was updated in the 1700s using special stone from France called Caen Stone. This work was done by Sir William Gage, who took over the house in 1713. The house sits in a wide, open park.
But inside, the house still feels like a Tudor home, with rooms built around a central courtyard. Firle Place is also like a museum! It has a huge collection of amazing paintings, delicate porcelain, and old furniture. You can see art by famous painters like Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Van Dyck.
This historic house has also played a part in more recent times. During World War I, students from a nearby school stayed here. Later, in World War II, Canadian soldiers lived at Firle Place.
Today, you can visit Firle Place during the summer. It's also a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows! You might have seen it in the BBC show Jonathan Creek or the 2020 movie Emma, based on Jane Austen's book. Since 2017, the TV show Bake Off: The Professionals has filmed its series at the house every year.
The Gage Family: A Long History
The Gage family has lived at Firle since the 1400s. This began when William Gage married Agnes Bolney, whose family had owned the land before. Their son, Sir John Gage, made the family's land even bigger.
In 1479, another John Gage was born. When his father passed away in 1496, this John Gage became a ward of the Duke of Buckingham. This meant the Duke looked after him.
Sir John Gage and King Henry VIII
Sir John Gage became a very important person in the court of King Henry VIII. He even went with the King on a trip to France. Because he was good in battles and campaigns, he was given the job of Vice-Chamberlain to the King.
Sir John also played a key role in the "dissolution of the monasteries" in Sussex. This was when King Henry VIII closed down many religious houses. Even though Sir John was a Catholic himself, he followed the King's orders.
Sir John's son, Edward, also became important. He was made a Knight of the Bath and the Sheriff of Sussex. In 1556, he oversaw a difficult time known as the "Marian Persecutions". This was a period when many people faced difficulties for their religious beliefs.
Notable Gages Through Time
The title of "Baronet" was created for a later John Gage in 1622. Sir William Gage (1695–1744), the 7th Baronet, was very interested in cricket. Many people believe that the Firle Cricket Club started because of him!
In 1754, another Gage, named Thomas Gage, received an even higher title. He became a "Baron" and "Viscount" in Ireland.
Another famous Gage was General Thomas Gage. He was the Commander in Chief of the British forces in North America. He had some success at the start of the American War of Independence. However, after some tough losses, like at the Battle of Bunker Hill, he was replaced.
General Thomas Gage's son, also named Thomas Gage (1781–1820), followed a different path. He was a botanist, someone who studies plants, and a traveler. A type of flower, called Gagea, was even named after him!
Today, the current Viscount Gage, Henry Nicholas Gage, lives at Firle Place with his wife, Alexandra Murray Templeton. The Gage family continues to care for this historic home.
