The origin of East Grinstead Memorial Estate (EGMEL) has its roots in World War II and its impact on East Grinstead.  This included the tragic loss of 108 lives, together with over two hundred injured, when an enemy bomb destroyed the Whitehall Cinema in July 1943.  

In 1944 a local philanthropist Alfred Wagg bought the grounds of what we now know as the East Court Estate (the “estate”) on the understanding that it would be designated in perpetuity as a living war memorial, for use primarily as a public amenity, with some land – including the East Court Mansion – given to the Town Council for council offices.  EGMEL was established as a limited company and charity in May 1949 to implement Alfred Wagg’s vision and to protect the future of the estate. You can find out more about our history and our charity organisation elsewhere on our website.

The estate covers approximately 100 acres of public-access land which is easily accessible on foot being just a few minutes walk from the centre of East Grinstead.  In addition to open parkland and sports pitches we consider our woodland, Ashplats Wood, to be a truly special public asset.  Ashplats is an Ancient Woodland, recognised as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, and forms part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can find out more about the woods, including paths and suggested walking routes elsewhere on our website.

Nowadays, day-to-day land management of the estate is undertaken largely through tenancies.  The Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) has a 125 year lease with EGMEL.  MSDC is responsible for managing much of the public parkland, sports pitches, pavilion and Ashplats Wood, with this whole site recently designated as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). 

EGMEL also leases land to the East Grinstead Town Football Club, who pay home games at their 3000 capacity stadium, and the East Grinstead Target Shooting Club. 

At EGMEL, our primary objective is to work with our tenants to preserve and enhance this estate for the benefit of our whole community.  Wherever possible, we seek to encourage growth in public use of the estate.  We recognise our important place in the town and we support local groups practically with financial grants to worthwhile projects which benefit all parts of our community.  You can find out more about our wider activities elsewhere on our website.