Thin Blue Line: Safelight

Sunday 23 December 2012

Safelight

By the late 19th century, Saint Hill was home to Dr. Edgar March Crookshank, a physician decorated for service to the British Armed Forces and renowned microbiologist who founded one of the world’s first bacteriological laboratories.Under Crookshank’s stewardship, the estate greatly expanded: first with the east and west wing additions to the Manor house, then with the building of the South Lodge and gates in 1892 and the North Lodge and stables five years later. The lake and a lily pond (now site of the swimming pool) were also constructed over the course of Crookshank’s residence.During the Second World War, Mrs. Neville Laskey lived in the mansion. She opened its doors to convalescing Royal Air Force officers, patients of Sir Archibald McIndoe, a pioneer in reconstructive surgery working at East Grinstead’s Queen Victoria Hospital.“Saint Hill Manor is the best example of Sussex sandstone structure in existence. Saint Hill has only had a half a dozen owners. It will be continued in its original status as a Manor House.”L. Ron HubbardThen, in October 1945, Mrs. Margaret Biddle, wife of an American Ambassador in Europe, purchased Saint Hill Estate. Whilst only owning the Manor for two years, she made a great many upgrades to the 30-room mansion, not the least of which was modernising the plumbing. However, the addition Mrs. Biddle is most remembered for is the whimsical mural she commissioned for the Manor ballroom by artist John Spencer Churchill, nephew of Sir Winston Churchill.Saint Hill became the home of the Maharajah of Jaipur, India in the late 40s. During his decade of ownership the Maharajah added a number of fine antique Indian and European fixtures to the residence.