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Previously owned by Sir Henry Peek (1825-1898), and housed at his home at Rousden Manor, Lyme Regis, a renowned and successful business man, and noted ornithologist, some of Sir Henry's collection now resides within the British museum, Sir Henry Peek was the founder of the Rousden estate, he came from a very humble background, but became a very accomplished business man, and thus felt the need to help others less fortunate. He gave generous donations in secret, to hospitals, schools, churches and disaster relief funds, after purchasing the entire village of Rousden, Sir Henry built a mansion within the village and construction was completed in 1878, at a reputed cost of 250,000 (equal to a present day sum of 13 million), he cared very much for all who worked for him, serving hot dinners in the local school to all the children for one penny a day. The children were taught to grow their own vegetables, and it was the first school in Devon to teach cookery. In 1884 a proposed land holding company was set up to protect open spaces, Octavia Hill was with Sir Henry when the name National Trust was suggested, and she was the founder of the trust we know today. In 1888, Sir Henry installed a vast collection of 376 stuffed birds in a special museum in the main house, some of the birds are not in the British Museum, when he died in 1898 he was greatly mourned by his family, and also by "his people"