Comments on: Pagoda and Bridge, Hythe, Hampshire

By: Editor

Editor — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:38:19 +0000

In reply to Sarah Penny. Good morning Sarah. I am really pleased that you discovered this post and found it of interest. It’s great to add your memories and updates to the history of this fascinating miniature landscape. I’m sorry that I can’t add anything further to the story but I will let you know if anything new emerges. All best wishes for 2026.

By: Sarah Penny

Sarah Penny — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 22:38:00 +0000

P.s. the Hampshire Gardens Trust mentions that the pagoda and lake was sold to my late mother in the 1970s, this is not correct.

By: Sarah Penny

Sarah Penny — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 22:34:33 +0000

This is the first time I have come across photographs of the pagoda and bridge and a little of the history of both. I was born on the farm in the 1950s and recall the pagoda well, although it was at that stage dilapidated; the bridge was still just about there but we were forbidden to try and cross it. The whole area around the pond was very boggy and impassable in places although some of the iron estate fencing with decorative gates remained. The surroundings were very overgrown. There was no observatory in my time, although I recall a pile of bricks near the supposed site. The retired cook and general help lived in a bungalow above the farm and she told of carrying tea to the observatory. I would be interested to see any more photographs of the house, gardens and home farm if they are available. I remember seeing a postcard of a woman in a voluminous dress rowing herself on the lake but cannot recall the source. Before development and decay overtook the area it must have been a beautiful location.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 17:13:32 +0000

In reply to Iain KS Gray. Hello Iain. As ever you have a memory to fit every occasion. The doll sounds wonderful and must be a cherished family heirloom. The Dumfries House bridge is delightful, as are the other garden buildings. We celebrated the relaxing of Covid restrictions with a stay in a cottage on the estate and enjoyed wandering before the visitors arrived.

By: Iain KS Gray

Iain KS Gray — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 17:08:36 +0000

I love the new bridge at Dumfries House. I’m also intrigued to read about the Brock’s firework people because my mother was their daughter’s bridesmaid and was given a superb Lucy Peck bride doll supposedly dressed in the style of the Queen Mother’s wedding dress. I have the doll.
Another great read.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 17:00:54 +0000

In reply to TOM GARDNER. Good evening from England. I couldn't agree more - carpe diem.

By: TOM GARDNER

TOM GARDNER — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 16:57:05 +0000

TOM (USA)
TRULY ENJOYED THE ABOVE ARTICLE. KIND OF PROOF THAT:
MAN’S FOLLIES OFTEN HAVE … A ‘TIME’ LIMIT (FOR EXISTENCE); BUT THEN …
SO DOES MAN (WOMEN INCLUDED).
ERGO: ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE AT THE MOMENT; THE FUTURE IS A MYSTRY.
TOM

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 08:12:06 +0000

In reply to David Winpenny. Hello David. Yes, I think you are right about the source, but I wish I knew more about what Fleuret saw for himself. Interesting that the Dumfries House bridge also appeared (on paper if not on the ground) in the same period.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 08:09:32 +0000

In reply to Moira Garland. Thank you too, Moira. You are most kind. I will put this wet day to good use in preparing next week's post!

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 08:08:47 +0000

In reply to Gand. Thank you Gand, your comments are appreciated. I'm watching the rain fall so I think it might be a morning of coffee, newspapers and a bit of folly research.