A LATE LOUIS XVI ORMOLU-MOUNTED GREEN-PAINTED AND VERNIS MARTIN BUREAU PLAT

Built in 1732, for Thomas May Knight, Godmersham Park is the epitome of an 18th-century country house of medium size. Eventually inherited by Edward Austen, the brother of Jane Austen, the novelist; Godmersham is often cited as the inspiration for Mansfield Park. After years of neglect it was purchased in 1935 by Robert Tritton and his wife Elsie, who, with the help of architect Walter Sorrell, set about much needed renovations and creating 'the 1930s ideal of what constituted 18th-century taste' and building a superb collection of French 18th-century furniture, which 'was Robert Tritton’s particular joy'.