ONCE a proud Victorian gentlemen's fine country home, Clacton's Clay Hall had stood empty for years.

It was already due to be demolished to make way for housing when a suspected arson attack ended more than 130 years of history on New Year's Eve.

Since its Victorian heyday the building had been used as council offices, a Civil Defence training centre and as changing facilities for rugby and hockey clubs at the Vista Road recreation ground where it stands.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Clay Hall in its heyday (above and below).

Robert Blackie built the house in 1883 as his country home.

Politician and businessman Cecil Rhodes, who founded Rhodesia and named the country after himself, is said to have visited before renowned farmer Philip Smith bought the property.

He was a pillar of the Clacton community, riding with the hounds and helping to launch the town’s first lifeboat, as well as being an original members of the Tendring Hundred Farmers’ Club.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Philip and wife Elizabeth had seven children who were born like clockwork every two years from 1884.

Second son Harold died in France during the First World War.

Youngest son Edward Paul came home from the trenches suffering from shellshock.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • Philip Smith in his car on a ride to Dedham in 1918.

Eldest son Bernard went to Canada to set up a farm in 1903, aged 18, and was later joined by sister Margaret.

Bernard returned to Essex in 1919 to help his father and was given a farm in St Osyth, where the family are still based.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • The Smith family children in the garden of Clay Hall in the 1890s.

Some of the Clay Hall land became the site for Clacton County High School.

When Philip died, aged 78, in 1928 after a short illness, news of his death left the farming fraternity in shock.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

  • COUNTRY HOUSE: Philip and Elizabeth Smith at Clay Hall, which Philip bought in the 1800s.

As well as Clay Hall, he had farms at Alton Park, Blue House, Jaywick, and the Duchess farm.

He was described as one of the “old pioneers” and a harvest wagon was used as a hearse at his funeral.

Daughters Nell and Phyllis carried on living in Clay Hall until the 1960s, when they sold it to the council.