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Uppark | |
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Uppark is a late 17th century house designed by William Talman for Lord Grey of Werke. Talman was of Dutch origin, and the style of the building reflects this with its hip roof, exaggerated cornice, and central pediment. The house is situated high on the South Downs with views extending to the Solent and Isle of Wight.
In 1747 Lord Grey's descendants sold Uppark to Matthew Fetherstonaugh. He and his wife spent considerable sums of money altering the house and grounds. The interior was lavishly decorated in typical 18th century style. Fetherstonaugh's son, Harry, inherited the estate in 1774. He was wealthy, extravagant, and had very good taste, bringing fine paintings, furniture and china to the already extensive collections in the house.
In 1989 Uppark was seriously damaged by fire, but has since been restored to its former glory by the National Trust. As well as displays of fine paintings, ceramics, textiles and furniture, visitors can see how the servants lived below stairs. Particularly appropriate since Sir Harry Fetherstonaugh, at the age of 70, married his dairymaid aged twenty! In 1880, the mother of H G Wells was housekeeper at Uppark.
The gardens are attractive with mainly foilage plants and flowering shrubs.
A lift to the basement and stairlift to upper floor of the exhibition provide good disabled access.
Attractions near Uppark include Chichester, Rowlands Castle Golf Club at Rowlands Castle, West Dean Gardens near Chichester, Waterlooville Golf Club Ltd at Waterlooville, Greywell Shopping Centre near Havant, Cowdray Park Golf Club at Midhurst, The Meridian Centre near Havant.