Kate Arding, childhood memories of Knole where her mother worked

Kate Arding: When she arrived at Knole which I believe was 1973, I was 8. The period that I was sort of associated with Knole, particularly, was between the ages of about 8 and 12. And like most working parents, the holidays were a bit of a struggle to find out what to do with a young child. Very graciously, they allowed me to come and hang out at Knole, for some of the time during the holidays, which as you can imagine as a young person was hugely exciting.

And I was given very strict instructions not to bother anyone or go anywhere near the showrooms, which suited me just fine. I wasn’t particularly interested in that, but as you know, it was a huge maze of unexplored areas which was, you know, very fascinating to me.

Kate Arding: I remember it extremely clearly. You came in through the small, sort of stone-mullioned door in the corner of the Green Court nearest the stableyard, and came in and turned a sharp left, and there was immediately on your right, there was a very long, brown, dark wood counter. And then you sort of walked around the counter, as it were, to get into the main part of the office, and at the end of the counter – or between the counter and that wall – was a huge Gestetner copying machine. And then further down on the back wall, I believe, there was a very large map chest, which I was kind of fascinated with.

And then going into, towards the front wall overlooking the park as it were, this was a hugely exciting piece: There was a – I don’t know if it was an umbrella stand or something – but it had two swords in it, which I was absolutely mesmerised by. Then of course, they were so heavy! I was allowed to pick one up, I think. But it was very, very heavy for an eight-year-old to carry. Probably just as well.

And then, you know, my mother’s desk was, you know, towards the other side of the room, towards the centre, as I recall. And I also remember two, I believe – well one in particular – very large safe sitting there. Which, again, is probably still there, I’m guessing. I can’t imagine moving that!

And then the doorway into Hugh Sackville-West’s office – which occasionally, I don’t know, I wouldn’t have been in there very much – but I do remember roughly, sort of looking in there. And beyond that, Mr Mason’s office, which I never went into. I was absolutely terrified of him. I think my mother had warned me to stay clear of him. So, yeah, I do remember it very well.

And a lot of coming and going – I remember, you know, some of the estate staff and others coming in – the point of communication really was that large, long brown counter: pay day and things like that, I remember that going on.