The first Beard to occupy the property was Ralph Beard Esquire mentioned as of the Mansion House in a covenant of 1646.West Sussex Records Office Wiston MSS 6771 Ralph married Cassandra Wilson of Sheffield House, Fletching, in 1630, the only (surviving) daughter of Francis Wilson Esquire. Ralph, born in c. 1594 was the son of John Beard of Cowfold, Gent and Alice Alfrey. Ralph is listed as Ralph Beard Esquire, barrister at law, of the Inner Temple, London and Hurstpierpoint, Sussex and his descendants are described as living at Hurstpierpoint. Ralph Beard served as lawyer to Lord Goring of the nearby Danny Estate also in Hurstpierpoint.
