The Diplock Stag, which is the centre piece in our grounds, has aroused much interest and controversy over the years.

One local story is that a local plasterer, whose relatives are still living in the area, made it on its present site when the cottages were built, and they recall seeing him sitting astride its back making the antlers. To substantiate the story they say the stag is on a wire frame. Those against the story agree on the wire framing but cannot see how one could sit on virtually green (i.e. new) cement work.

Another story has some slight variations but is basically that the stag came from Southdown Hall, some say from the garden, some from an archway over the main drive leading from the High Street. An almost identical Stag was placed over a single lofty brick arch at Charbough Park, Dorset in 1841 by Mr Sawbridge Erie Drax. There have been requests for photographs to substantiate these claims but without success.

It is known that the Diplocks had "garden ornaments" imported from France soon after the house was built and an old gentleman from Polegate remembers being chased away by the gardener at "The Hall" for sitting on the stag when he was a boy. It is understood that the Stag was used in the design of beer labels for Diplock's brewery.

The stag, in the middle of our main drive, has always been in a vulnerable position, and it has suffered both abrasions and fractures from passing vehicles. Recently a dust cart backed into it, and, although the stag was severely damaged, it has been restored to its former glory. It is now surrounded by a high kerb in the hope of preventing further damage.

We like to believe that the stag is the Chinese symbol of Contentment and Peace. Whatever the history, the stag is the right symbol for the Homes.