In the Footsteps of Pride & Prejudice (2) Groombridge as Longbourn 2005

Groombridge Place

Groombridge is a beautiful example of a Georgian House. The earliest mention of one on this site is from 1239, when the Lordship of Groombridge was granted to William Russell. By the mid 14th century, the lands were held by Sir John de Clinton, whose grandson, Lord Clinton and Saye, sold Groombridge to Thomas Waller of Lamberhurst c.1400.

In 1604, the estate was purchased by Sir Thomas Sackville, 1st Earl of Dorset the Lord Treasurer of England. In 1618, Richard Sackville, 3rd Earl of Dorset had to sell Groombridge to John Packer due to gambling debts. A generation later, the estate belonged to British barrister and architect Philip Packer, who, in 1662, built the present day house with the help of his friend Christopher Wren. After Philip died in 1686, Groombridge Place lay empty for twenty years. During that time, the infamous Groombridge Gang began smuggling. Several times, dragoons were called to restore order

One persistent legend which dates back to that time is that of a tunnel between the cellars at Groombridge Place and those of the nearby Crown Inn, although no such tunnel has ever been found.

Groombridge Place has remained largely untouched since it was built over 350 years ago, and is now privately owned and not open to the public. You may visit the gardens for a fee.

Groombridge Place was chosen to portray Longbourn in the 2005 film version of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. It was chosen because it reflected the faded grandeur of a well to do family that had fallen on hard time. It depicts Longbourn at the time Jane Austen first penned Pride & Prejudice, then titled First Impressions, in 1796/7. The production company had to change the windows, build a duck bridge over the moat, and bring in the animals and mud for the outside shots of the courtyard. Thankfully the cast did not stay here, but were ferried to and from their luxury hotel to private Winnebago’s, which were parked of set in the quarry.

Here are a few pictures of then and now.

‘Longbourn’ today

‘Longbourn’ 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth under the tree after Bingley proposes to Jane

 

Keira talking to Joe Wright, the director.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The scene  where Mr Bennet (Donald Sutherland) tells Elizabeth she does not have to marry Mr Collins, is filmed at the same spot as where Mr Bingley practices his proposal to Jane on Mr Darcy. However, in the picture below you can see that this area has become neglected and overgrown. You can just about distinguish the roof line of the building behind and the same bent branch as in the above pictures.

So overgrown you can no longer see the water.

The Bennet family wait for Lydia.

Today with new windows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crossing the duck bridge.

In this picture we see Elizabeth cross the purpose-built duck bridge, walk through the washing and around to the front of the house. But if you look closely at this aerial shot, you can see that the duck bridge (on the right and still there today) is actually at the back of the house. There is no access to this part of  the building, which is why I used the aerial shot. It is a nice overview of the whole house too.

 

Groombridge aerial view. Main entrance on left, back entrance & duck bridge to the right. (under tree shadow)

It is a shame that the house is not open to the public at any time. The house is as much a leading character of the 2005 film as Miss Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. With so many fans wishing to visit and walk in Elizabeth Bennets footsteps, I am sure it would be a profitable venture for them. However, for now it is a private home and we must respect that.

 

I hope you have enjoyed our comparison pictures of Longbourn 2005 ( Groombridge Place ) Our next post in this series will be about Rosings 1995 (Belton house)

Martine xx

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY

As usual, for our Halloween get together this year we all dressed in costume. There are only two rules for my attendees and they are,

1. No costume, no entrance.
2. You must take a turn in giving  out the candy.

This year the Halloween theme was The Graveyard. Below are some pictures of the costumes we’ve worn, the pumpkins we’ve carved and decorations we’ve used. Its just for fun so enjoy. (Sorry its so late)

Our very best

Lizzie and Darcy x