The search is on for the descendants of workers at a former hunting lodge, described as west London's answer to Downtown Abbey.

Cranford Park, on the borders of Hounslow and Hillingdon boroughs, was owned by the Berkeley family for more than 300 years, until the early 20th century, and there are many records of their lavish lifestyles and royal connections.

But little is known about the lives of staff at the Berkeleys' hunting lodge Cranford House, which was demolished in 1945, with just the stables, cellar and courtyard surviving today.

Cranford Park Friends is keen to build up a picture of what life was like for those 'ordinary people' and has appealed for descendants to get in touch.

As well as building up a more thorough history of the park for visitors, the information could be used as part of a funding bid to restore some of its key attractions.

Bob Barton, the group's secretary, said: "Lots is known about the Berkeleys but very little about ordinary people who were in service there.

"It was our local version of Downton Abbey and we'd love to uncover relevant letters and photographs of people who ran the estate.

"We have a working party researching the history, which is useful when we give talks and guided walks. It will also help when we come to apply for a grant to restore the park."

The Berkeleys employed around 40 staff at the country estate, including domestic servants, gardeners, grooms and gamekeepers.

The friends group has already trawled the archives to find the names of workers dating back to 1841 and is now trying to trace their forebears. If your surname is Cronk, Beechey, Flinn, Little, Begg or Essman, you may have an ancestor who worked at the estate.

Newspaper reports unearthed by the group mention gamekeeper Richard Begg being threatened by a poacher on the grounds in 1827, and William Beechey, also a gamekeeper, appearing as a witness at the Old Bailey in 1870.

The census records the Cronks as gardeners and housekeepers in 1891, while the Little Family lived at the lodge in 1901.

The friends group has already tracked down the descendants of Arthur Sadler, who was the last person to work at the house, as a caretaker, shortly before it was demolished. They live a short drive away in Isleworth.

* If you think one of your ancestors may have worked at the park, call Mr Barton on 020 8813 6048 or email