HISTORY

John Daniel Clarke began the practice in Eastbourne in 1909.

John D Clarke was regarded as an authority on the restoration of and additions to ancient buildings and a master of domestic architecture. One of his most interesting project was the careful demolition of Court Lodge, Udimore, near Rye, an important 14th century timbered house (thought to have been a small remaining part of a former royal palace) and its re-erection near Groombridge in 1912. Another important project was the complete restoration of Filching Manor, Wannock in 1909. Amongst many other restorations that John D Clarke undertook, notable ones include The Thatched Cottage, Wannock (originally the Court House of the Manor) (1910 & 1937); Frensham Beale Manor, Surrey (1922); and Ripe Manor, Sussex (c.1930); to name but a few.

John D Clarke also specialised in the design of country houses as far away as Cornwall and his designs were widely illustrated in English, French and German periodicals. The special character in his work is shown locally in two residences including Sentosa in Eastbourne and Field Place in Willingdon, in both schemes the much admired and innovative “disappearing-sash” window is used. Other important examples of this style are Messack House, Cornwall (now demolished), Beurles, Fairwarp and Ockendens, Birdham, near Chichester.

He also prepared a design (which was published in the “Eastbourne Gazette”) for the Grand Parade Bandstand improvement scheme, remodelling and redecoration of the Tea Rooms on Eastbourne Pier (1937) and the proposal to install a swimming bath on the Pier (1932-3).

This tradition of care for ancient buildings and inventive architecture continues to this present day through the history of the Practice - David Clarke, FRIBA; Frederick Ernest Ford, ARIBA; Peter Eric Victor Pritchett, RIBA and Richard Nicholas Crook, RIBA.

John Daniel Clarke, FRIBA 1880-1947