Plumpton – a tiny village in Sussex with huge royal connections – Royal Central


Nested in the East Sussex countryside six miles north of Brighton is the idyllic village of Plumpton.

With little more than 1,000 residents, the village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, although its connection with royalty is fairly modern.

During her childhood, Queen Camilla called Plumpton home having grown up in her father’s 18th century house.

The Queen’s father, Major Bruce Shand, lived at the property known as The Laines for 45 years, with Camilla living there until she moved to London at the age of 10.

Queen Camilla has previously described her childhood home as “perfect in every way.”

Her Majesty was baptised at the nearby Firle Church, and is is thought the then Prince Charles visited Major Shand alongside Camilla at the property before they were married.

Plumpton is also a very special place for The King, but for another reason entirely.

For non-locals, the village is probably best known for being the home of Plumpton Racecourse – one of Britain’s leading national hunt venues.

It was here in March of 1980 where the then Prince of Wales rode in his first ever race as an amateur jockey.

Embed from Getty Images

The King partnered a horse called Long Wharf, and finished a very respectable 2nd place.

This was the start of a 14 month career in the saddle for King Charles.

Despite a promising start at Plumpton, His Majesty never managed to win a race as a jockey, although now has many successes as an owner after inheriting his late mother’s horses.



Source link