Burtons' St Leonards History

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.

This property with its fine octagonal sitting room was James Burton's own residence from 1831 until his death.

This is where the Archery Ground once stood and was home to the St Leonards Archers, who were founded in 1833. Princess Victoria presented the Archery Club with a special banner in 1834 and the archers became known as the Queens Royal St Leonards Archers after she was crowned queen.



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.

Just above North Lodge is Baston Lodge, built by Decimus Burton in 1850. This building has a strong Italian influence.

Looking towards the beach from West Hill Road you can see the old burial ground of St Leonards Parish Church. The

Burton family tomb in the shape of a small pyramid is positioned in the middle looking out to sea. This is where the architect himself, his wife, and several other members of his family lie. There are four inscription stones on the tomb which read as below...

In Memory of James Burton Esq, Founder of St Leonards, July 29th 1761 Died March 31st 1837" His wife Elizabeth is also buried here

Jane Wood, 1702 - 1870 James' daughter and Decimus Burton FRS 30th September 1800 - 14th December 1881. Decimus was buried at Kensal Green.

James' Daughter Eliza 1786 - 1877 and Son, Alfred 1802 - 1877, Alfred was buried at Fairlight

Emily Jane Wood 1815 - 1892 and Helen Wood 1816 - 1903

Clock House A fine ecclesiastic Gothic style 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 and was used as St Leonards official time piece during the early days of the town.

Crown House

Situated at 57 Marina, the Crown House is one of the most important buildings in Burtons' St Leonards. This property was the first building to be erected in St Leonards and served as James Burton's own villa during the construction of the town. The timber frame of the building was constructed in London and shipped by sea to St Leonards.

The Duchess of Kent and her daughter Princess Victoria stayed in No.57 during 1834/5 and after they left the building was renamed Victoria House. As Victoria was crowned queen the house was renamed again as Crown House and remains this today.

Gloucester Lodge

This building was originally named the Castellated Villa, but was renamed Gloucester Lodge after its first occupant, Princess Sophia of Gloucester. The stunning building overlooks St Leonards gardens from the North.



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.


Lavatoria Square

The area which is now the corner of Mercatoria and Norman Road was originally called Lavatoria Square and was where the washerwomen lived and worked.