Firle Place

Firle Place is a large manor house built from Caen stone in the village of Firle in southern England, dating from 1473. The building combines a preserved Tudor core with Georgian additions from the early 1700s, while its interior features a long gallery, grand drawing room, and art collections including paintings by Gainsborough and Reynolds.

The house was built in 1473 by Sir John Gage, an influential man who worked for King Henry VIII and guarded the Tower of London. The family has kept the estate for over 500 years, with notable members including General Thomas Gage, who fought during the American Revolution, and Sir William Gage, who helped organize early cricket matches.

The name Firle Place comes from the Gage family, who have lived here since the 1400s and shaped its story. Visitors can see portraits and personal belongings of family members displayed throughout the rooms, showing how people lived across the centuries in this house.

The manor house is open for guided tours and visits during summer months, offering peaceful grounds with gardens for walking. It is located in the countryside of the South Downs and is reachable by car, making it ideal for a day trip for those interested in history and art.

The house has been used as a filming location for various television productions and films, including BBC shows like Jonathan Creek and a 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. Since 2017, it has also served as the setting for a baking competition series, regularly attracting visitors to its historic rooms.