THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE - The Mysterious Building off Michelgrove Lane

THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

FINDON MANOR HOTEL REVELATIONS

At the beginning of September 2010 I was rather bemused when I suddenly received an email from Mary Constance concerning her days at the Findon Manor Hotel in the Findon High Street. She wrote...

re findon manor hotel during ww2

We found canadian great coats in the attics at Findon Manor old gin bottles and tins of vd cream. Some canadians visited us who knew of the place during the war.

In the back garden was a manhole which when opened was full of water and a room fitted out with tables bookcases etc could be seen. I saw them. All was then closed up.

At immediately enquired when all of this had occurred. Mary replied...

Hi...Mid to late 70's.

The 'water hole' was the most interesting.

Saw a tv programme about hidden cellars, rooms that were found and used in the south for radio information etc. secrets etc. during the war and think this could have been one.

We just closed it all up but I remember seeing furniture floating around in perfectly clear water and it was only afterwards we thought perhaps it had been flooded deliberately. Who knows.

Not too sure about it being a rectory thought more a private house; Edward....was supposed to have stayed there too who knows?!!!!

Mary

The great coats we simply threw out I think.

I wondered if Mary had any more revelations on the Findon Manor Hotel. It occurred to me that she may have worked there or perhaps was an owner. Mary merely said...

Can't think of anything - well remember lots with affection! and liked it better in those days but of course I'm prejudiced!

Yes lived there.

Could probably take you to the manhole but they probably paved over it or destroyed it very changed since I was there. mary

So I need your help with this one you merry band of Findon surfers. Can anyone else recall anything about these stories from the days at the Findon Manor Hotel in the past?

Did you stash YOUR coat in the attic.....or was it your father's coat?

Someone must have assisted in building and kitting out the underground room at the foot of the manhole (were you the builder.... carpenter.... or was one of these your father and he later related the story?) Some interesting results are now awaited from these questions.

Continue if you would like to read Up the Glens

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THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — is a continually growing record created by Valerie Martin exclusively for documenting life around Findon.

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Do let me know of anything you hear about Findon - not too controversial. Please note that opinions expressed in the Findon Chronicles are not necessarily reflective of my own thoughts.... but sometimes they are!