It stands within the grounds of Midhurst Castle, which was owned by the de Bohum family, the castle who abandoned in favour of Cowdray in 1280.
Cowdray House and Cowdray Park, which is the home of British polo are very popular with residents and tourists alike.
The village of Easebourne, a mile north-east of the town centre, is known for its many houses with yellow-painted window frames and doors, which indicates the properties belong to the Cowdray Estate.
The Cowdray Ruins is one of England’s most important early Tudor Houses.
Said to have been visited by both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. In September 1793, whilst undergoing repairs and refurbishments for the impending marriage of the 8th Viscount Montagu, a fire destroyed most of the property. The kitchen tower is the only part still intact.
In the late 1500s the owner of Cowdray House Anthony-Maria Browne, 2nd Viscount Montagu, briefly employed Guy Fawkes as a footman. In 1605 Browne was briefly arrested in connection with the Gunpowder Plot due to employing Fawkes and because he stayed away from parliament on November 5 following a warning from co-conspirator Robert Catesby. No charges were brought.
War of the World novelist H.G. Wells lived there during the 1880s, working briefly as an chemist apprentice before joining Midhurst Grammar School as an assistant teacher.
![The A286 runs through the heart of the town and the bustling street is full of high street favourites and independent shops and cafes. Picture: Steve Robards](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTMyMjQ3ODU1.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
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The A286 runs through the heart of the town and the bustling street is full of high street favourites and independent shops and cafes. Picture: Steve Robards
![Harvey Tordoff, from Midhurst Society, said: "What do I love about Midhurst? Its quaint old buildings and quirky streets; its picturesque river and ruins; its position, nestled between ridges of The Downs. The quiet streets of the Old Town are steeped in character and history. And more than that, I love its community spirit, which came to the fore as we faced Covid-19 together. That will remain, long after the pandemic becomes a fading memory." Midhurst From Whip Hill. Picture Harvey Tordoff.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTMyMzE2MTQ2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
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Harvey Tordoff, from Midhurst Society, said: "What do I love about Midhurst? Its quaint old buildings and quirky streets; its picturesque river and ruins; its position, nestled between ridges of The Downs. The quiet streets of the Old Town are steeped in character and history. And more than that, I love its community spirit, which came to the fore as we faced Covid-19 together. That will remain, long after the pandemic becomes a fading memory." Midhurst From Whip Hill. Picture Harvey Tordoff. Photo: Haywards Heath
![As well as a population of 4,914 people it is also home to charity Canine Partners, which transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Picture: Steve Robards](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTMyMjQ3ODUx.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
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As well as a population of 4,914 people it is also home to charity Canine Partners, which transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Picture: Steve Robards
![Over the years Midhurst has seen a number of famous faces either live or work in the town and surrounding area. PIcture: Steve Robards](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/T0FLMTMyMjQ3ODUy.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
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Over the years Midhurst has seen a number of famous faces either live or work in the town and surrounding area. PIcture: Steve Robards