How a derelict bone mill became a beloved attraction 100 years on

When a young, ambitious couple purchased a completely dilapidated bone-mill in 1924, no one could have predicted their fledgling business would go on to become a cherished family day out for the next century.

Captain Douglas Ann and his wife Drusilla bought the East Sussex site from the Firle Estate for £1,000 – quite a considerable sum, equivalent to around £78,000 today.  They then worked tirelessly to transform the drab setting into a charming Tea Cottage, called: ‘Drusillas’s’ which first opened its doors in 1925.

After proving an instant success with early motorists as a favourite stop for delicious cream teas, Drusillas moved with the times throughout the enormous changes of the 20th Century, to grow into one of the South’s most loved attractions. Surviving and thriving in spite of huge challenges, including doodlebug and bombing attacks in the Second World War, and a devastating fire that destroyed much of the Park in the 1950s.

The iconic Zoo that Drusillas is famed for started life as a ‘Baby Zoo’ which Captain Ann established to stand out from the many ‘copy cat’ Tea Cottages that began to spring up in the wake of Drusilla’s success. The first residents included a kinkajou, a kangaroo, a lemur called Georgina, and a chimpanzee named Tarzan – who was given to Captain Ann by a sailor who came by the chimp in Africa and wasn’t sure how to care for him!

These days, the Zoo provides a loving home to over 80 different species of animals, from adorable sloths and capybaras to giant anteaters, red pandas, and penguins. Plus a range of Critically Endangered animals including Sulawesi crested black macaques, yellow-breasted capuchin monkeys, and cotton top tamarins. Lemurs are the only species to have been resident at the Park throughout its 100-year history - hence why the Park’s logo (and special 100-year commemorative logo) features these striking creatures.

100-years is a monumental milestone to reach, and Drusillas has a whole year of exciting celebrations lined up. For example a host of commemorations like ‘Centenary Saturdays’ events. A nod to the Park’s origins, these special Saturdays will feature vintage car shows, tempting cream teas, jolly live entertainment, and keeper talks, as well as plenty of goodies and giveaways.

To discover more about Drusilla’s fascinating history, visitors will soon be able to experience a brand-new timeline exhibit, opening shortly in the Park’s Events Arena. Or, if they can’t wait that long, they can enjoy a recently launched interactive timeline, and special edition 100-year video, featuring interviews and stories with the Ann family, who founded the Park in 1925, and current owners the Smith family.

Both families reveal some of the interesting hidden gems in the attraction’s rich past, including the answer to one of the ‘most-asked’ questions posed by visitors: ‘Why the Park is named ‘Drusillas’?‘ and much more.

To discover more Drusillas history highlights and further details on the planned centenary celebration events visit: https://www.drusillas.co.uk/centenary