Bohemia Village Voice

Local author Heather Grief is writing a new History of the Summerfields Estate as a fundraiser for the Bohemia Walled Garden Association (BWGA). Records go back to Domesday Book, when it was part of the manor of Crotteslegh (various spellings exist). Around 1800, the farm up the drive just north of the Police Station changed its name to Bohemia Farm, probably because it had an increasing trade in cream teas, served outside or ‘gipsy’ style, to the visitors taking walks up the footpath that Wastel Brisco got diverted in 1837. In 1824, the farmhouse was replaced by a fine mansion – the elevation [above] is from the plans – where wealthy families stayed for a break. Brisco bought it in 1831, and soon acquired other land in the area, to form a gentleman’s estate. He built the walled garden, which the BWGA want to preserve and bring back into use.
From 1903 to 1966, Summer Fields Preparatory School used the house and grounds. Then Hastings Council bought the estate with the intention of turning it into a civic centre. Unfortunately, they neglected the grounds and demolished the house in 1973.  
Heather would like more information, especially:

l any photos of the house or estate from the 19th Cent.
l photos of the walled garden any time before 1990.
l people’s memories of Summer Fields School, whether as pupils or staff.
l any other memories of the estate, especially if anyone worked as a gardener, or has a relative or ancestor who did, and they have some information.
l people who have records about the estate that are not available at the Museum or Library.
o Heather Grief, 64 Tower Road West, Tel: 444277. heather@grief64.fsnet.co.uk