which was our fairy mansion." In 1884, another of Alfred's children, Princess Beatrice - who later married into the Spanish Royal Family - was also born at Eastwell.After the First World War, the Eastwell estate faced the same economic problems that also affected many other English stately homes. In the 1920s the main house was severely damaged by fire. A smaller house in a similar style was built on the same site in 1926–1928. After many changes, Eastwell Manor is now operated as a country house hotel. There is an indoor swimming pool and a Champneys spa, and a nine-hole golf course has been laid out in the grounds. The rest of the estate is used for farming. Eastwell Towers The distinctive structure now known as Eastwell Towers stands a mile south-south west of the manor. It was the original main gatehouse to Eastwell Park and was built in 1848. Home Farm Home Farm at Eastwell Park was built at a distance from the main stately home. The large residence is surrounded by fields and lies close to the church of St Mary the Virgin. St Mary the Virgin Next to the large shallow lake at Eastwell Park is the ruined church of St Mary the Virgin, which is now cared for by the Friends of Friendless Churches. The church dates to the 14th century but became unused after First World War. A storm in 1951 caused severe damage: parts of the nave and the choir fell down. The tower remains reasonably intact. Marble monuments once found in the church are now on view in the Victoria and Albert Museum. A memorial located in the former choir commemorates the grave of Richard Plantagenet, alleged to be the illegitimate son of Richard III. George Finch-Hatton, 11th Earl of Winchilsea (1815–1887), his second wife Lady Elizabeth Georgiana (d. 1904, daughter of Francis Conyngham, 2nd Marquess Conyngham) as well as his only son George William Finch-Hatton, Viscount Maidstone (1852–1879) are buried in a simple grave in the overgrown part of the church cemetery. References External links A view of Eastwell Manor, built for the 9th Earl of Winchilsea (aerial view) A view of Eastwell Manor, built for the 9th Earl of Winchilsea (front view) A view of Home Farm at Eastwell Park A view of St Mary the Virgin at Eastwell Park A view of the grave of Richard Plantagenet Eastwell Manor Hotel