Eastgate House

BIRTHPLACE OF RAYMOND MAYS

The large and imposing house at the north end of Eastgate was the family home of motor racing pioneer Raymond Mays who was born there in 1899 and died there in 1980 at the age of 80. 

Eastgate House is a splendidly tall building that has been extended over the years. Although built in the late 18th century, the elegant brick frontage in the Regency style was added during the 19th century to the main part of the original stone building that had its own well. The property had long associations with the tanning and wool trades and an impressive coat of arms in carved stone is set high above the back entrance with the initials J C and the date 1796 on a scroll. Mini sun gods decorate the lower border.

The property dates back two years earlier to 1794 when it was bought by Thomas Chamberlain, a miller, and originally included in the estate were a number of cottages that were destroyed by fire. The initials J C are thought to refer to the birth of Chamberlain's son John who later took over the house and in 1827 built a brewery, bakery, barns and stables on the site. The work however extended him financially and his affairs were placed in the hands of trustees, Thomas Lawrence of Dunsby and Edward Thompson of Morton, acting for his mother Mrs Mary Chamberlain, who also administered the farming interests that were attached to the estate. The property was then acquired by Thomas Mays, a fellmonger and skin dealer, in 1856 and continued as the family home until his grandson Raymond died in 1980. 

During much of Raymond's occupation, the house was run by Mrs Myrtle Hammond who served with the family for 50 years. It was lavishly decorated with period furniture and there were many paintings on the walls including a portrait of Raymond painted in 1950 by Sofy Asscher and water colours of Raymond racing past the chequered flag in several of his successful events by the distinguished motoring artist Gordon Crosby.

Eastgate House was also the scene of many parties attended by famous stage celebrities and photographs hung on the walls signed by Ivor Novello, Mary Ellis, Phyllis and Zena Dare and Norma Shearer and an oil painting dominated the main staircase of José Collins the actress in her famous role as The Maid of the Mountains that had previously hung in the foyer of the Gaiety Theatre in London. There was also a large signed portrait of Amy Johnson (1903-41), the aviatrix who in 1930 became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, and the inscription read: "To Raymond, in great admiration, Amy". The famous woman flier had shown an interest in hill climbing and motor racing and subsequently stayed at Eastgate House several times.

The house was sold after Raymond's death but he is remembered by a metal commemorative plaque on the outside wall.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2011

See also   Vandalism     Raymond Mays     Thomas Mays     Eastgate
 

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