The Gilbert Estate comprises lands stretching from East Dean and Beachyhead to Pevensey Castle and Pevensey marshes. History shows that the Davies-Gilbert and Cavendish (Duke of Devonshire) families were the proud owners and designers of Eastbourne, a town that was referred to as being "built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen". Today Eastbourne’s sea front and old town retain their character thanks in part to the management and restrictive covenants laid down by the Gilbert and Cavendish Familes, which prevent over development. The Davies-Gilbert family still manage the Estate and farm from their home in East Dean.
Anyone visiting Beachyhead and the Village of East Dean will notice that the lovely flint cottages have very distinctive green doors and gutters. The green is the Estate colour of the Gilbert Family who have owned land and lived in this area of East Sussex since 1661. Another feature of Beachy Head are the flint wall surrounding the fields. If you've ever wondered why they came to be here, have a look at this link about Mary Ann Gilbert's reform of the poor law in 1830
Records and details on the Gilbert Estate and family are now kept at the East Sussex Archives office in Lewes.
If you need to obtain a Licence for Alteration in accordance with the Restrictive Covenants on your Title Deeds, please contact the Gilbert Estate office at the following address providing details and/or plans on the proposed alterations:
Address:
Gilbert Estate Office,
The Green
East Dean,
East Sussex,
BN20 0BS
T: 01323 423906
E: info@beachyhead.org.uk
