Dynasties of Portslade: A Historical Account of Its Notable Families
Portslade is far more than just a modern suburb; it is a tapestry woven by influential families who shaped its journey from a Domesday village to a Victorian industrial centre. From the hereditary power of medieval lords to the philanthropic wealth of railway investors, the town’s social fabric is a microcosm of English history.
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📋 The Portslade Dynasties: A "Who’s Who" Guide
To help you navigate the centuries of history, here is a quick guide to the families who built our community:
| Family Name | Era | Primary Contribution | Key Property |
| de Warenne | 12th–14th C. | Original Lords of the Manor | Portslade Old Manor |
| de Burgh | 13th C. | High-ranking aristocrats | Portslade Old Manor |
| Clutton | 18th C. | 93 years of clerical leadership | St Nicolas Church |
| Borrer | 19th C. | Built the "New" Manor (1807) | New Manor / Mile Oak |
| Hall | 18th–20th C. | Bankers and major landowners | Portslade Place |
| Brackenbury | 19th C. | Education and Church benefactors | Brackenbury Chapel |
| Mews & Dudney | 19th C. | Industrial giants (Brewing) | Southdown Brewery |
| Blaker | 15th–20th C. | 400 years of public service | Easthill House |
| Still | 19th C. | Local family with global legacy | Portslade Village |
| Coom | 18th–19th C. | The "bedrock" labouring family | St Nicolas Churchyard |
🗽 The Portslade-to-New York Connection
One of the most incredible discoveries in our research involves the Still family. While they were a local Sussex family with children like Richard, Walter, and Ezekiel born right here in Portslade in the 1820s, their branch reached much further than the village green.
Did you know? The wider Still lineage includes Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed New York’s Central Park. If you grew up with a "Still" in Portslade, they might just be part of this extraordinary global legacy!
I. Medieval Roots: Lords of the Manor
The earliest documented influence on Portslade stems from the powerful families who held its manor, shaping its foundational structures and early governance.
The de Warenne Family
The Manor of Portslade (originally Atlingworth) began in the 1130s under William de Warenne, the 2nd Earl of Surrey. The de Warennes were regional "power players" who held jurisdiction over the Rape of Lewes. They established St Nicolas Church and even obtained a royal charter from King Edward II in 1312 to hold an annual fair in the village.
The de Burgh Family
During the 13th century, the manor was held by the de Burghs. Hubert de Burgh was a national hero, serving as Justiciar of England. This connection meant Portslade was never just an isolated rural outpost; it was a strategic asset for the highest-ranking noble families in the land.
II. Stewards of Faith: The Clergy Families
The spiritual and social life of the village was anchored by families who dedicated themselves to the ministry for generations.
The Cluttons: This family provided nearly a century of continuous leadership. Revd Ralph Clutton and his son, Revd John Clutton, served for a combined 93 years. They weren't just priests; they managed the "Overseers of the Poor," acting as the precursors to modern social services.
The Boyle Family: Revd Vicars Armstrong Boyle (arrived 1889) launched the first Parish Magazine. His sister, Sophia Courtney Boyle, was a "modern" woman and a fervent supporter of the women's suffrage movement, showing that Portslade’s clergy were engaged with the progressive issues of the day.
III. Industrialists & Benefactors
The 19th century saw Portslade transform from an agrarian village into a bustling industrial hub.
The Brackenbury Legacy
Hannah Brackenbury used her family’s railway wealth to transform the town. She funded the Gothic-style building for the local primary school (now St Nicolas School) and commissioned the ornate Brackenbury Chapel. Though her family came from Yorkshire, her impact on Portslade’s architecture is unmatched.
The Dudney and Mews Families
In 1850, John Dudney established a brewery at the corner of Drove Road. Later sold to the Mews brothers, this industry drove the construction of workers' housing on North Road and Southdown Road, creating the residential landscape of Portslade-by-Sea.
IV. Land, Estates, and Influence
The Borrer Family: They built the "New" Portslade Manor in 1807. As bankers and landowners, they held almost all the land north of Easthill.
The Hall Family: Owners of the imposing Portslade Place, the Halls were major figures in finance and often intermarried with the Borrers to consolidate local power.
The Blaker Family: With a 400-year history in Portslade, the Blakers served as MPs, surgeons, and churchwardens. Their family home, Easthill House, was eventually given to the public and serves as our park today.
V. Conclusion: The Living Legacy
As we walk through Portslade today, the names on our street signs are not just labels; they are a complex web of ambition and grit. From the feudal lords of the Old Manor to the industrial entrepreneurs of the Southdown Brewery, these families constructed the physical fabric of our town.
We are not just residents; we are the latest chapter in a thousand-year story.
Works Cited
Brighton & Hove City Council Conservation Records
Portslade in the Past (Judy Middleton)
The Still Family Genealogy (Boleat)
St Nicolas Church Burial Registers
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