Portslade Manor

Portslade Old Manor stands in the town of Portslade within Brighton and Hove. It is one of the few surviving Norman manor houses in England and holds the status of a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The building is also recognised as a Grade II* listed structure, marking its national importance. Records from the Domesday Book mention Portslade, showing its existence over nine centuries ago. By the early 14th century, John de Warenne, the 7th Earl of Surrey, secured a royal charter to hold an annual fair on Saint Nicolas’s Feast Day. The manor’s history reflects changes in ownership and use over time. After serving as a residence until 1807, it became an almshouse for the poor. In the 19th century, part of the old house was demolished to provide stone for a garden folly in the grounds of the new manor. A 2019 grant from the National Lottery aimed to improve access and highlight the building’s historical significance. These efforts sought to secure its future and share its story with the public. Visitors find a rare example of Norman domestic architecture still standing today. The surviving structure offers a direct link to the 11th century and the world recorded in the Domesday Book. Its modest size and simple design contrast with grander medieval halls. The manor’s setting in Portslade provides a quiet glimpse into England’s feudal past. Improved pathways and better visibility now make it easier to approach and appreciate.