Earlier Houses: The current house very likely stands on the site of a an earlier Saxon building (in 823 Leofstan, a Saxon thegn [thane], gave the manor to the monks of Canterbury).

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: Peter de Southchurch, until 1309. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Richard Rich, 16th century; Rich family here until 1657. Heneage Finch, 1st Earl of Nottingham, until 1682. Thomas Dowsett, 19th century; Dowsett family here until 1925.

Current Ownership Type: Government

Primary Current Ownership Use: Museum

Ownership Details: Since 1930 Southchurch Hall and Gardens, part of Southend Museums.

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01702-467-671

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Historic Houses Member: No