[1] In 1883 the leaseholder of the building became bankrupt and the lease was advertised for sale, thus:[2] Capital old-fashioned residence, known as Abbotswick House, Navestock ...
[2] On 6 September 1883 the house effects were sold onsite and listed in the Essex Herald:[3]Brass and iron French, folding and crib bedsteads, spring, hair and wool mattresses, feather bolsters and pillows, Witney blankets, Spanish mahogany bedroom suite, japanned ditto, marble top washstands, chests of drawers in birch and ash, Brussels and Tapestry carpets, fenders and fire implements, suite of lace and cretonne window curtains, cornice poles, black and gold frame drawing-room suite in tapestry, ditto centre table, ditto wall brackets, walnut centre table, ebonised and gilt cabinet and walnut davenport, valuable empire clock, timepieces, dial, regulator clock, weather glass, barometer, 20 clever oil paintings by known artists, beautiful statuary marble mantel shelf with tiled stove and hearth complete, coal purdonians, carved mahogany dining-room suite in morocco, sets of chairs, easy chairs and couches, set of mahogany dining tables, loo, coffee, and fancy ditto, hand sewing machine, ornaments, china, glass, fittings of hall and stairs, kitchen and dairy utensils, stone china dinner service, croquet set, lawn tennis ditto, both complete ... [gardening and stabling equipment] ... dog cart, phaeton, perambulator, pure-bred Alderney cow in calf, fast cob, 30 head poultry, 12 ducks, rabbit, retriever dog, peacock, nine pigeons, three hives of bees.
In the words of the registered objects of the charity, Abbotswick was dedicated to "encouraging and enabling individuals and the community at large to promote and persist in the practice of prayer".
The House of Prayer is open to all who are seeking spiritual renewal, guidance and healing, whether as individuals or a group.
Abbotswick continues to provide a quiet place to which they can go to meet God in prayer and be inspired to holy living.