Binstead
Colonel Robert Stephenson Clarke, C.B. 1862-1948
Previously of Binstead House
The death of Col. Stephenson occurred on Wednesday the 3rd November at Borde Hill, Haywards Heath, Sussex at the age of 86 years, he was born in Mutford in Suffolk in 1862. The funeral took place on Monday 8th November at All Saints Church, Highbrook, West Sussex. The Colonel purchased Borde Hill a 200-acre estate in 1893 and the grounds today bare witness to his passion for the collection of rare trees and plants.
Until the sale of Binstead House estate in June 1947, he had been a resident of the island for over 50 years. During his period on the island he had for many years resided at the Cliff, Shanklin. He also had extensive properties holdings in Newport, Shanklin and Wootton.
In his military career he served in the South African War and was mentioned in dispatches, and from 1906-12 commanded the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment and he was awarded the C.B. in 1911.
He held a Doctor of Law from Leeds University and was a magistrate for the County of Sussex.
In the commercial world, he had extensive business interests in coal mining.
He was very interested in horticulture, and planted many rare trees in the grounds during his time at Binstead House; unfortunately many have succumbed to the British climate.
He took a great interest in Holy Cross Church at Binstead and was responsible several years ago for the erection in the sanctuary of oak panelling from Winchester College.
His wife survives him, as does one of his sons who is the Conservative M.P. for East Grinstead.
Source: Obituary: County Press, November 1948
This page was last edited on: 26th January, 2022 17:50:24