The Tudor Home Given to Anne of Cleves by Henry VIII is Now on Sale

A home that once belonged to Anne of Cleves, the fourth of King Henry VIII's six wives, is now listed on the market by the real estate group Jackson-Stops Mid Sussex with an asking price of about $2.5 million. It is one of the rare Grade-1 listed homes (an indication of an exceptional national, architectural, or historical importance) in private hands. Also known as the Wings Place, the home is quintessentially British: timber-style Tudor architecture accompanied by long noble history.

Situated in Ditchling, East Sussex, many of the original Tudor features, both inside and out, remain. Ornamental timbers and carved bargeboards trace the walls, tall brick chimneys ascend into the roof, and leaded light casement windows gently illuminate each of the space. The views from the terrace and garden, which boasts views of the South Downs National Park, feels like those of a John Constable or J.M.W Turner painting. According to Tatler, Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner describes the house as "eminently picturesque in a watercolorist's way."

But beauty, though abundant, is not the only element that makes the home special. According to the estate agents at Jackson-Stops mid Sussex, the home was formerly a manorial estate which began as Ditchling Manor Garden and is first mentioned in 1095 as part of the Priory of St. Pancras at Lewes, which had one of the largest monastic churches in the country. Henry VIII acquired the home in 1537, after the monarch incited the dissolution of monasteries in England (a move to reap the wealth of the monasteries and suppress its political opposition).

The home was then granted to Thomas Cromwell, who gave it to Anne of Cleves two years later. It was one of the many properties agreed to be given to Anne of Cleves after she agreed to consent an annulment with the monarch. She was also given Richmond Place, and Hever Castle. After her death in 1557, the property reverted to the Crown. Later in the 16th century, the property is thought to have been owned by George Nevill.

For inquiries about the property, please visit Jackson-stops.co.uk

You Might Also Like

• Here’s What NOT to Wear to a Wedding

• Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You’ll Ever Try