Craigweil House

Craigweil House near Bognor Regis was built by the Countess of Newburgh, who died in 1797. She used to call it 'The Pavilion’ – it is thought this may have had some connection with the Brighton Pavilion.

In 1828, The Pavilion belonged to the Rev. Henry Raikes, and later to Sir Alexander Dixie, Capt RN. He was born in 1780 and served at Trafalgar with distinction. From 1850 it was occupied by Colonel Austen, at which time it was still known as The Pavilion. Dr Alonzo Stocker owned it in 1880; his widow died in 1927 after living in Craigweil Lodge. The latter was owned and occupied by their son Hubert Stocker in 1939.

Craigweil House was sold to Sir Arthur du Cros in 1915. In 1919 he enlarged it, and it is remembered for the arrival of King George V on 9 February 1929 for his convalescence until 15 May 1929. During this visit, on 10 May, the king held a Privy Council Meeting, dissolving Parliament and knighting Captain Seagrave, the racing motorist.

The house was demolished in 1938 following a fire, and the Craigweil housing estate was built in the grounds, which consisted of some 30 acres.

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