1598

Borde Hill built by Sir Stephen Borde whose family lived in Cuckfield for generations - "SB 1598" carved above West porch.

1705

Purchased by Walter Gatland with 200 acres for £2,382

1803

Purchased by Mr Randle for £4,700

1825

Purchased by Preston family who added the central portion of the house.  Their family crest can be seen in the house and the gate to the Rose garden.

1853

House passed to a Major MacAdam through his marriage to a Miss Preston.

1864

Purchased by Lister family.

1893

Purchased by Col. Stephenson Robert Clarke who built the East Wing, altered and restored the central Southern bay windows and added the present porch to the North front door.

1898

South Lawn and Ha-Ha created.

1900
- 1930

The Clarke family were patrons of some of the great plant collectors who went to the Himalayas, China, Tasmania, the Andes and North America.

1902

Azalea Ring planted with Knapp Hill varieties

1905

Warren Wood planted

1906

Roadside plantings

1910

Stephanie's Glade planted

1925

Garden of Allah extended with plants from the collector Kingdon Ward

1937

Expansion of the collection to the outlying woods (eg Gores Wood)

1949

Sir Ralph and Lady Clarke take up residence after Stephenson R. Clarke died in 1948 aged 86.

1965

Garden opens to the public as a registered charity

1972

Sir Ralph Clarke died and was succeeded by his son Robert Nunn Stephenson Clarke.

1987

The storm of October 1987 caused extensive damage to the gardens and woods.

Robert N. Stephenson Clarke died and was succeeded by his son Andrewjohn Patrick Stephenson Clarke.

1990

Conversion of the Victorian Stable Block into a Restaurant and Tea Rooms and creation of the lakes in the South Park

1992

Borde Hill Garden Restoration Study - Lear Associates / Land Use Consultants

1994

Adventure playground and children's fishing introduced

1995

Rose garden recreated based on the 1902 designs shown in Country Life magazine

1997

Heritage Lottery Fund donation for the restoration of the Victorian Greenhouses and access improvements to the garden.

2001

Harvey Stephens is appointed head gardener

2002

The Potting Sheds are refurbished and given a ‘Southern Hemisphere’ theme.

2003

New plantings in The Italian Garden to redefine its Mediterranean inspiration.

2005

40th Anniversary of the opening to the public of Borde Hill Garden and centenary of Warren Wood.