During the early 1800’s Stanlake Park became the seat of Rev. Sir. Nathaniel Duckenfield, who had been vicar of St.Martin in the Fields. The Estate was bought in 1847 by George Barker and stayed in the Barker family until 1951. Around 1882, the estate enjoyed a well publicised visit from Queen Victoria and was recorded in great detail by the vicar of Hurst. The owners of Stanlake in the second half of the 20th century were the Leighton family, of which Jon Leighton had the vision to create a Vineyard in the late 1970’s, which became established as Thames Valley Vineyards. Under winemaker Vince Gower, the estate continues to add to its reputation as one of the best in England.