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Henry Tibbats Stainton (August 13, 1822 – December 2, 1892) was an entomologist who had Mountsfield House built in its own park between 1846 and 1847. He is best known as the author of A Manual of British Butterflies and Moths. His Lewisham home became a centre of excellence for those interested in insects. From 1856, he encouraged interest in entomology among the wider public by holding weekly ‘open evenings’ at his house. Anyone over the age of 14 could freely visit Mountsfield on such evenings, perhaps to have a specimen identified; to view his collection; or simply to learn more about entomology from Stainton himself, or other guests. Before the area was developed it was used as the country retreats or retirement homes of wealthy Londoners between 1700 and 1850.