This was the manor’s first major extension in four centuries and its design reflected the way that buildings were changing. The basement fireplace was positioned against the wall so that smoke could escape through a chimney. Not all innovations were adopted however - although Sir John Harrington had designed a flushing toilet in 1592, the manor house still relied on a garderobe (stone shute) for getting rid of human waste.

The villagers would have been familiar with the interior of the newly extended building, as this was where the court of the manor regularly met. Many of the regulations governing their lives were laid down here, which reflected Portslade’s agricultural nature. For example, sheep were not allowed to graze on the droveway and pigs were prohibited from wandering on the commons. In 1659 John Price was ordered to repair his hedges, whilst in 1640 John Bishop was fined for keeping hogs in the churchyard.

The manor court also dealt with the transfer of property and even basic building regulations - John English was fined 10 shillings for not pulling down a porch that he had built on his property without permission. 

Records of the villagers’ misdemeanours and subsequent penalties imposed were recorded in the manor court book by the Lord’s steward. This officeholder had to be well educated as the proceedings were mostly written in Latin during the 17th century.

It was custom that all items washed up on the beach between Aldrington and Hove belonged to the Lord of Portslade manor. In 1653 this included an anchor and cable, two pieces of canvas, and 6 yards of green kersey cloth.

Although attendance at the manor house was often associated with being fined, this wasn’t always the case. At Christmas, Abraham Edwards traditionally put on a feast for his tenants. He also left money to the poor of Portslade in his will.

Christmas feasts would come to an end in Portslade when they were banned in 1647 by Oliver Cromwell. Christmas was reinstated in 1660 when Charles II was restored to the throne. This date coincided neatly with the construction of the Stag's Head pub in the Old Village, although its name in those days was The Bull Inn.

Researched & written by Tim Lawrence. 

1660 - Restoration of the Monarchy