Impressive houses lost for ever . . .

No wonder then that a reader of this newspaper wrote in to complain about the demolition of the last one, Saxonholme, in Meeching Road between the ring road and Marshall Lane.

Maybe the interior had deteriorated to such a degree that it was no longer safe, but that's not the fault of the house.

As a residence, no one had lived there since the arrival of the ring road and the eternal traffic which roars around it. No more could garden parties be enjoyed at the back and trees which used to surround the building had to give way to a concrete apron to satisfy the motor car.

It is hard to imagine to what use it could have been promoted to raise the investment to put it back to be a more useful place of business or culture.

Of course, there have been quite a few fairly large houses in our town; take Fort Road for instance.

What a pleasant sight they were when arriving by boat '“ I can't imagine the concrete and glass edifices about to finally obscure them raising a riot among ferry passengers about to disembark.

What does concern me is that development means cars and with so much on the south side of the town, how is it going to feed into the ring road system?

Nowhere is there a junction controlled by traffic lights. It's all dangerous chance and hoping that a pedestrian may press the crossing button and create a few seconds freedom.

So back to the four houses. Saxonholme, of course, Lorraine in Fort Road, replaced by the present fire station, and without doubt, Meeching Place, which only a generation above mine could have been beheld. Sadly, I have never seen a true photo of it, just a drawing and a rough plan.

It had lastly been the home of Caroline Catt, a daughter of the famous miller William Catt of Tidemills, sometimes referred to as the Dame of Denton, but the Church Hill house was her last residence.

She had bought it from William Elphick on September 29, 1865.

On her death the deeds were transferred on July 14, 1896, to the French Convent Order who remained there until being bombed out early in World War Two.

A few early photos show a different frontage to the part near to Church Hill, which later appeared to look similar to the second block. Those who could have explained this difference are no longer here to confirm this.

It was quite a place with extensive grounds, gardens and trees, with resident French girl students, a day school for local girls and infant boys.

Finally, of course, the loss of Sussex Lodge, its frontage occupying the parade of shops in the High Street where the top premises is the present post office.

Often referred to as a Georgian mansion, it had housed two doctors to Saxonholme's one (Dr Summerhayes).

In 1871 it was Albert School for boys, day and boarding, 25 pupils, eight domestic staff. The school had moved to 34 Meeching Road by 1881.

It was last occupied by the Cook family of building and cinema fame, the latter where now is the adjoining night club. This lovely house was demolished in 1961.

The one remaining tree from its frontage was felled only this summer.

So farewell to Saxonholme, once D'Acre Villa, your gracious days will be remembered by those who had the good fortune to know them.

PETER BAILEY

Peter Bailey is curator of the Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum based in its own fascinating premises in the grounds of Paradise Park in Avis Road, Newhaven. Summer opening hours are daily, 2-4pm or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk