When was the home built? It was built in 1880 by a firm of local builders F and W Payne in Lyndhurst. The house was commissioned and owned by Mary Elizabeth Bradden, a famous Victorian novelist, whose books included Vixen and Lady Auderley's Secret. She lived there with John Maxwell He was Already married, but his wife was declared 'not of sound mind'.

Who lived there? After Mary Bradden died, the house was taken over by the Duke of Westminster's family in around 1920.The eminent barrister William John Upton KC was an occupant between 1927 and 1939.

When was it a Barnardo's home? In 1939, William Upton died and in his will left Annersley House to his son, who donated the house to Dr Barnardo's Homes. From 1943, Annesley House was a home for boys aged four to 14 years. In March 1953, it became a mixed home and from August 1968 it was a holiday home.

What is the home used for today? The buildings have been renovated and converted into luxury flats.

Bob Cox and Colin Topley are trying to reach their friends from Annesley, in the hopes that they might all form a reunion in the not too distant future.  click here » » » »