To spot Edes House, just look for a grand, red-brick mansion with nine tall windows lining its face, proudly standing on West Street with a central stone doorway and imposing chimneys, right in front of you as you walk by.
Now, let’s imagine for a moment: it’s the late 1600s and there’s a fresh scent of malt drifting along West Street, mixed with the chatter of traders and craftsmen. Picture John Edes, the original owner-a successful maltster-beaming with pride as his beautiful new mansion finally rises in 1696. Maybe he dreams it’ll impress his neighbors, or maybe he’s just tired of bumping his head in his old low-beamed cottage! What you’re looking at now isn’t just a house-it’s a carefully crafted statement: big, bold, and beautifully symmetrical, like someone lined up every brick after counting them twice!
For years, the Edes family lived here, passing stories, secrets, and the occasional squeaky floorboard down the line. Soon though this proud house changed hands-first to Sheriff Peckham Williams, then to a doctor from the local infirmary, then again to William Duke. Each owner brought their own footsteps to those echoing hallways, and if these walls could talk, they might even spill the odd medical mystery or secret supper.
Imagine the house in the 19th century as “Westgate House.” Perhaps it was a gathering spot for lively debates or late-night readings by candlelight. It even spent a few years known as “Wren’s House,” as everyone thought the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren was the mastermind behind its design. Turns out, he was a little busy with a project called St Paul’s Cathedral-so, the real story ended up being just a bit less famous, but every bit as charming.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and county council members in crisp suits hustle through the grand entrance, holding important papers-probably looking for the biscuit tin in between meetings. Here’s a twist: when the county council outgrew these walls, Edes House became home to everything from the County Library, to the County Record Office, and eventually, a top spot for weddings. Who says a mansion can’t have it all?
And, just when you thought things couldn’t get more exciting, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex themselves popped in during 2018 to see an original copy of the United States Declaration of Independence. (I can imagine the house blushing with pride at that!) All the while, local artist George Herbert Catt’s watercolours hang inside, splashing the halls with a touch of Chichester’s own sunlight. So whether you’re here for the history, the architecture, or just dreaming of life in a mansion-Edes House has a story for everyone. Fancy a wedding, anyone?
