[3] Indeed, the gateway, the great chimney breast, a quatrefoil peephole, and parts of a screen with arched blank panelling all date back to the 15th century.

[2] It previously belonged to Henry VIII of England (1491-1547), followed by Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658).

Baroness Swanborough, donated it to the University of Sussex located in Falmer, to be used as a residence for the Vice-Chancellor.

[4] However, former Vice-Chancellor Alasdair Smith sold it in 2003, arguing the upkeep was too costly for the university.

[4][5] Baroness Swanborough's step-great-grandson, Simon Isaacs, 4th Marquess of Reading, openly criticized the university for selling it, adding that the university should have striven to find ways to keep it for at least fifty years after her death, in 2021, according to her wishes.