The history of the Officers’ Mess can be traced back to the 12th Century. At some point in the 1340s it was considered derelict, but was recovered and returned to use by 1349.
In 1907 the eastern half of the building was gutted in a fire which lasted 3 days. The blaze was so bad that no attempt was made to rebuild the original house.
During World War 2, the house became the 'Sun Babies Nursery', a home for about 100 infants evacuated from North London. It continued to be used for housing evacuees until the Spring of 1942 when it was taken over by the United States Army Corps.
A structural survey in 1986 revealed some deterioration of the building fabric and a refurbishment programme began in 1987. As the work progressed, it was discovered that extensive and, in some places, dangerous rot damage had occurred. The renovation of the main building, which included the complete restyling of the reception area, was finished in late 1988.
The house was used by the RAF up until a few years ago, when Brampton Park was bought by a housing development firm. New housing is currently being built around the Officers’ Mess, but there seem to be no plans for it as of yet.
Thanks for looking,
Rubex
In 1907 the eastern half of the building was gutted in a fire which lasted 3 days. The blaze was so bad that no attempt was made to rebuild the original house.
During World War 2, the house became the 'Sun Babies Nursery', a home for about 100 infants evacuated from North London. It continued to be used for housing evacuees until the Spring of 1942 when it was taken over by the United States Army Corps.
A structural survey in 1986 revealed some deterioration of the building fabric and a refurbishment programme began in 1987. As the work progressed, it was discovered that extensive and, in some places, dangerous rot damage had occurred. The renovation of the main building, which included the complete restyling of the reception area, was finished in late 1988.
The house was used by the RAF up until a few years ago, when Brampton Park was bought by a housing development firm. New housing is currently being built around the Officers’ Mess, but there seem to be no plans for it as of yet.
Thanks for looking,
Rubex
