Introduction
The town of St Leonards was created by the well-known
London builder James Burton between 1827 and 1837. His son,
the architect Decimus Burton, added further buildings in the
1850's and 60's.
James Burton conceived the town as a brand-new seaside resort
for the wealthy and it became instantly popular with royalty
and aristocracy. The town prospered and expanded until it merged
with Hastings.
The original St Leonards, as planned and built by James Burton,
is the area centred on the picturesque park known as St Leonards
Gardens, which lies directly behind the Royal Victoria Hotel.
Clock House
A fine Gothic villa presenting three storeys to the park and only one to the road behind. The clock in the Clock House tower was made by George III's clockmaker.
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Crown
House
This property was originally built by James Burton for
his own residence but was given up by him to the Princess (later
Queen) Victoria when she stayed here in 1834.
Assembly
Rooms / Masonic Hall
Behind the Royal Victoria Hotel stands the Assembly Rooms,
now known as the Masonic Hall. This was the centre of all social
activity including balls, receptions, card parties and banquets.
Food for such activities was often prepared at the hotel and
brought across the road via an underground tunnel. Originally
set between two graceful villas, only the East Villa remains.
St
Leonards Gardens
Originally these were subscription gardens and
private to residents only. Later they were purchased
by the Council and made public. |
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Maze
Hill
Maze Hill is lined with striking 19th century Gothic
villas and is named after the maze that once occupied the top
end of St Leonards Gardens.
Mercatoria
This was the original service area of Burton's town,
containing the tradesmen's and laundrywomen's quarter.
Mercatoria National School
In 1847 a National School was built at the Mercatoria, originally a trading area, by Decimus Burton. The school moved to a new site at Collingswood Drive, St Leonards C of E Primary and the old school building was converted into a Mosque after purchase by the East Sussex Islamic Association. |
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Map
of Burton's St Leonards
Horse & Groom
Within Mercatoria is the Horse and Groom, St Leonards’ first pub. This was built mainly for the benefit of the
army of building workers on the site.
Allegria
This property with its fine octagonal sitting room
was James Burton's own residence until his death.
Gloucester
Lodge
This is a fine castellated villa and was named after
its first occupant, Princess Sophia of Gloucester.
North
Lodge
Built originally as a tollgate, North Lodge
spans the road. The room directly above the roadway
was the study of the great Victorian writer of adventure
stories, Sir Henry Rider Haggard. |
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Burton
Family Tomb
Looking towards the beach from West Hill Road you
can see the Burton family tomb in the shape of a small pyramid.
This is where the architect himself, his wife, and several
members of his family lie.
St
Leonards Parish Church
St Leonards Church was originally built in 1833, in a gothic style look by James Burton. It is said that he originally planned to build the church on top of the hill, however he built it on the current site due to objections about having to walk uphill to the church. On 29th July, 1944, the church was totally destroyed by a 'doodlebug'. The church was rebuilt post-war and open for worship by April, 1955, however the tower was not completed until 1961. The current church has a maritime
theme throughout.
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