Malling House, Grade I listed house in Lewes, England
Malling House is a Grade I listed building constructed in red and grey brick with nine evenly spaced bays and a Tuscan-style door surround. This two-storey structure with attics and cellars, roofed in Horsham stone slabs, now serves as the main operational hub for Sussex Police.
Barrister William Spence purchased the estate from Thomas Lucas and began construction of Malling House in 1656, launching generations of family ownership that followed. Over the centuries it changed hands through notable figures before being repurposed as a police headquarters in 1948.
The shift from private home to police headquarters in 1948 shows how buildings adapt to serve new public purposes. What was once a family residence now anchors the daily work of law enforcement in the region.
Located on Church Lane, the building now houses Sussex Police operations and public access may be limited due to its active use as a law enforcement center. Check ahead if visiting, as it remains a working facility with restricted access for security reasons.
The building hosted several influential residents over the centuries, including Countess Anne Pelham who lived there during her time in the area. These high-profile owners left marks on its story that extend far beyond its current role as a police center.
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