This website created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K. 

WILLIAM GREEN CLAIMS HIS FINDON INHERITANCE

Text copyright Valerie Martin 1999

I understand that William Green received his Findon inheritance in 1751 when his Uncle John died. He then stood in the shoes of John Cheale and became the Lord of Findon Manor — another hunting squire of Findon. He was a sporting character and a personal friend of the Prince of Wales, later to become King George IV (1820-1830). The Prince Regent would travel from The Pavilion in Brighton to take advantage of the very excellent shooting facilities provided by the Findon area. He was often a guest at Findon Manor and was seen to shoot a partridge, it is assumed among other trophies, in a field at Roger’s Farm.

The visiting bishop of the day, Dr. Richard Pococke, travelled to Findon in 1754 by way of the east to west route along the South Downs from Steyning. Arriving in the village he took the trouble to make notes and described it as a —

No doubt, William Green’s workers did not share his views.

The frontage of the Manor House at Findon Place was altered at this time. Stabling and kennels for the hounds on the east side were somewhat improved. The main building was extended westward to include the construction of the attractive ballroom, where, it is said, Green merrily entertained the Prince of Wales’ circle in style. This society later formed the nucleus of Regency aristocracy in Brighton.

William Green appears to have only occupied the Manor House and its immediate surroundings and did not farm the land. This was let out to tenants.

The Charlton Pack flourished until the 2nd Duke of Richmond, who had been famed far and wide as a sportsman, died on Wednesday, 8th August 1750. He was only aged 49. The Charlton Hunt took a nose-dive after his departure.

Seven long years passed until the famous Charlton hunting horn was blown again in Findon. The young 3rd Duke of Richmond had only been 15 years old when his father died. In 1757 the young man made a valiant bid to revive the tradition of fox-hunting. It was to be of no avail and the attempt failed as the back of the Charlton Hunt remained broken. The surviving hounds were put down following the spread of a rabies epidemic in the kennels.

William Green of Findon Manor died in 1786 and in the following year his executors sold the estate to William Richardson and his wife Mary. Life in Findon under William Green, the Lord of the Manor, had ended.

Continue if you would like to read about William Richardson — Lord of the Manor of Findon