National Trust | The Travel Lady In Her Shoes

National Trust, Smallhythe Place: The Home of Ellen Terry

Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, Kent, UK

Smallhythe Place, Home of Ellen Terry, Tenterden, Kent, UK

Smallhythe Place, the home of Ellen Terry, is located on a rural road, near Tenterden, where we made our base during my English Garden Tour. Coming from a narrow, graveled, country lane from the Bullein Barn B&B, Smallhythe Place was at the end of it. Everyday we were amazed at all the cars parked here and the visitors going to the home. It was so convenient we thought we would save it to the end of our stay. This is not a big estate like some of the other National Trust properties we toured. This was a smallish house sitting on a smallish property. When we did visit, what a delight it was! As with all the National Trust properties, the hosts of this property made you feel so very welcome and were so knowledgable! I did not know a thing about Ellen Terry! First let’s look at her house, which is now a memorial to her.

This is what I learned………………….

One day, in 1899, Ellen Terry was out for a buggy ride in the country (this is well away from London) with Henry Irving, (the manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London’s Covent Garden), who was also her theatrical partner for twenty-four years. Upon seeing a cottage at the side of the small lane near Tenterden, she made up her mind this was where she wanted to live and die. So she bought the place. She lived there until her death in 1928. The half timbered house was built in the late 15th or early 16th century. The house was originally a “Priest House” and then called the “Port House,” because of it’s location on the River Rother, which is now just a trickle along the side of the house. At one time this place was a thriving shipyard, the Old English word “hythe” means “landing place.” It is far off the beaten tract, even now. She definitely wanted her peace and quiet, away from the crowds! When Terry died in 1929, her daughter, Edith Craig, opened the home as a memorial to her mother and then the National Trust took over the property when Craig died in 1947. Smallhythe Place is filled with mementoes of Terry’s career in the theatre. In 1929, Craig set up a barn on the grounds, as a theater, where William Shakespeare plays were performed every year on the anniversary of her mother’s death. This is continued even today.

The cottage sits near the road and every day as we passed by, on the way somewhere else, I wondered if it would still be standing when we returned. It really leans!!!!!

Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Lane across from Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Lane to the Bullein B&B, Tenterden, Kent, UK

Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Garden Sign at Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

I loved the acknowledgement of the unwelcome plant! Silverweed!!!!!

Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Garden at Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Gardens at Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Garden at Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Garden from the Window, Smallhythe Place, Kent, UK

The window picture was my favorite of the garden! It gives an idea of how serene the place is! It is the perfect cottage garden!

The Shakespeare Barn, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Thatched Shakespeare Barn, Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Multiple Barns at Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

There is a small refreshment center and outdoor seating at Smallhythe.

The Multiple Barns at Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

The Outdoor Area of the Restaurant at Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent, UK

It is just the cottage that you imagine in fairy tales! I can see why Ellen Terry chose to live here! So next time let’s take a peek inside Smallhythe Place! Who exactly is Ellen Terry? We’ll find out next time! See you soon!

Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, Kent, UK

Smallhythe: The Home of Ellen Terry

Our next stop is the National Trust home of Ellen Terry! What a fascinating place and person she was! See you there!

Smallhythe, near Tenterden, Kent, UK

Haunted Hever Castle: Have You Seen Anne Boleyn?

Anne Boleyn, Queen of England

We’re excited to be at Hever Castle, the childhood of home of Anne Boleyn! Ann Bolelyn, second wife of Henry VIII, had more influence over the fate of England than any of the other five wives of Henry VIII. Risking everything to get Anne into his bed, she rose in power and riches only to be dashed down to the lowest depths after 1000 days of married life. She came to the end via an executioner’s sword. I believe most of Anne’s short life was lived under extreme tension. She spent seven years fending off Henry’s advances, because she didn’t want to be left like her sister, Mary, who had an affair with Henry that had turned out badly. When she was finally crowned queen many in the kingdom hated her because Henry broke away from the Catholic Church to establish his own church, the Church of England, so he could divorce his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, and marry Anne. Then Anne had a daughter, Elizabeth I, rather than a son, and more pressure was put on her, as her duty was to produce sons. After many complications and stillbirths, Anne had to be in a frenzy as to what to do to keep Henry happy. Henry had sacrificed everything for Anne and was not getting what he wanted and needed, a son. I read an article lately that it is possible than Anne was RH-, meaning that her first child would have born without complications, but due the the mixture of her blood and her child’s at birth, her child being RH+, would have caused antibodies to built up in Anne’s blood preventing her from carrying another child to term. If that is the case she was indeed doomed from the start. I can’t imagine how it would feel to know your only worth in life was to produce a male heir! Such were the times. In the end Henry chose to get rid of her and move on to a new wife. Is it any wonder Anne Boleyn still walks the spots that were favored by her in life and the ones that caused her the most grief? I think Hever Castle would have been her favorite spot, she had lived a carefree, happy childhood here.

Recently, I read that people may have up to fifty senses rather than the normal five. If that is the case, there will be some people who are able to feel a presence in a place where other people have spent their time. If the place had great significance or stress for that person, their presence would be definitely felt. Makes sense to me! Have you ever sensed someone’s presence?

So let’s look, since it is All Hallows Eve, and see the places where Anne Boleyn has been sighted. This time in the liturgical year is dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, (hallows) martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers.

This is what I learned………. about the sightings of Anne Boleyn.

Haunting-at-Blickling-Hall, Norfolk, UK

Blickling Hall, Norfolk, is sourced as the most likely place that Anne Boleyn was born. At midnight on the anniversary of her death, May 19th, she is said to make a dramatic return, dressed all in white, traveling to the house in a carriage pulled by headless horses. She holds her head in her lap. Light footsteps approaching the bedroom can also be heard in the house although it was rebuilt 100 years after Anne’s death. Her brother, George, who was executed a few days before Anne, on the charge of committing incest with his sister, also returns to the house being dragged by horses while carrying his head in his arms.

Anne Boleyn at Haunted Hever Castle, Kent, UK

Hever is the castle one pictures when they think of medieval life. The fairytale castle is complete with draw bridge and moat, crenellated notches on the roof tops for firing down arrows, and the tiny cross openings for guards to peek out. Built as a medieval defensive castle with a gate house and walled courtyard in 1270, it was the home of one of the most powerful families, the Boleyns, in the 16th century. Anne seems most present on Christmas Eve here, crossing a bridge over the River Eden on her way to the castle. At other times of the year, a wraith-like figure, in white, is seen most often in the gardens and under a big oak tree where she and Henry courted.

Hampton Court Ghost of Anne Boleyn

Most of the catch-me-if-you-can courtship between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn took place at Hampton Court, one of the many royal homes. Anne’s ghost has been seen, dressed in blue, floating along the passageways. As late as 1945, Lady Baden-Powell, who had an apartment at the palace, wrote in her diary that a visitor sensed the presence of Queen Anne Boleyn in a little turret room that Anne used as a private praying room.

Ghost of Anne Boleyn, Tower of London, UK

Some of the many sightings of Anne’s ghost occurs at the Tower of London, where Anne stayed twice. The first time was the night before her coronation in the summer of 1553. The last time was under very sad circumstances, when she was on trial for her life. Charged with incest, adultery and witchcraft, she was beheaded on May 19th, 1536. Her body was hastily buried in an old arrow chest, that was too small for the body. Without any services or ceremony the box was buried beneath the altar in the chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula.

Towards the end of the 18th century, it was recorded that the Captain of the Guard noted light coming from the chapel, even though it was locked. He got a ladder and peered through a window and claimed he saw Anne (who he recognized from paintings) and a group of knights and ladies approach the altar. They disappeared when they reached the altar. Also, in 1864, a sentry guardsman, saw a figure float out of a doorway towards him. Wearing a bonnet, with no head inside, he challenged the apparition with his bayonet, which went right through it. The man fainted on the spot. Another Yeoman Warder saw a bluish form drifting towards the Queen’s House and another saw a woman in white emerging after midnight from the house. All of these sightings, noted at various times by different people, were sworn under Oath.

The Salle Church, Norfolk, UK

The Salle Church in Norfolk completes the rounds of ghost sightings. The church contains the brasses, (dated 1440) dedicated to the remains of Geoffrey Boleyn and his wife, who were Anne’s paternal great-grandparents. Some believe that after Anne’s execution her body was removed from the Tower and re-buried at midnight, with the rites of a Christian burial, beneath a plain black marble tombstone inside the Salle Church. The letters and diary of Crispin, Lord of Minherve, a foreign dignitary in London at the time of Anne’s trial, offered an impartial and “first hand” overview of the proceedings from Anne’s arraignment through her trial and execution. Historians have regarded Crispin as a reliable and unbiased witness, since he had no ties to the royal court. The Salle Church will neither deny or confirm the allegations. ( although they provide some validity of evidence from various letters, including Crispin’s) The Salle Church, in addition to the St Peter Ad Vincula in the Tower of London, will not give permission to examine those buried beneath their floors. Indeed we are left with stories and legends, so you can make up your own mind. But, let’s next explore what it was that Anne loved so much about Hever Castle. The estate and grounds are quite remarkable! See you there!

A Look at Hever Castle, Childhood Home of Anne Boleyn

Here we are at Hever Castle, draw bridge and all! We’ll be taking a good long look here! See you soon!

Hever Castle, Kent, UK

The Gardens at Chartwell, Home of Winston Churchill

A Walk Through the Rose Garden at Chartwell, Kent, UK

One of the fun parts of our day was going to and fro to the different National Trust estates. Several times our first attempt to find the entrance of an estate would be missed. Most of the estates are situated in the country (logically), some off a main road and some off very, very, very, small country lanes. We got to see a great deal of the countryside that way, and many of the small villages we came upon weren’t the ones were had intended to see. The main thing is to keep your wits about you and realize you’ll get to the estate on your ~~second~~ third time around. This is how we got to see the beautiful village of Westerham and the little cottages on the other side of the walls!

Now inside the gates of Chartwell!

Chartwell Gardens, Westerham, Kent, UK

Chartwell Gardens, Westerham, Kent, UK

The gardens at Chartwell, country home of Winston Churchill, were some of the best seen on “My English Garden Tour.” Each one is distinct and unique, adding their own personal touch. Like many other National Trust properties these gardens are well loved and well tended. There are garden tours with a volunteer gardener daily at 2pm. Just check at the visitor center. Now let’s go out and look at this garden!

A look from the terrace and on down the path!

From the Terrace at Chartwell, Kent, UK

A cluster of cottages is now used as art galleries and studios at Chartwell.

From the Terrace at Chartwell, Kent, UK

First a stroll through the flower gardens is in order!

A Walk Through the Flower Gardens at Chartwell, Kent, UK

A Walk Through the Flower Gardens at Chartwell, Kent, UK

What is the Marlborough Pavilion? Lady Churchill created the small outdoor entertaining area in 1927 and painted the walls pink with murals depicting the 1704 Battle of Blenheim in Germany. The battle was led by the Duke of Marlborough, Sir Winston’s ancestor. LOVE the PINK color!

The Marlborough Pavilion, Chartwell, Kent, UK

Leaving The Marlborough Pavilion, Chartwell, Kent, UK

And now a walk to the Rock Garden and Fish Pond!

Walking to the Rock Garden, Chartwell, Kent, UK

The Rock Garden and Fish Pond at Chartwell, Kent, UK

One of the first gardens we entered was the rock garden and the fish ponds. The day we were visiting they were cleaning the pond. How about that job?

The Fish Pond, Chartwell, Kent, UK

Cleaning the Fish Pond and Rock Garden at Chartwell, Kent, UK

Cleaning the Fish Pond at Chartwell, Kent, UK

The Biggest Leaves, Chartwell, Kent, UK

The Biggest Leaves and Stems, Chartwell, Kent, UK

Now let’s take a look at Georgina Landemare’s kitchen garden! Mrs. Landemare started her career as an under-kitchen maid, eventually working up through the ranks under French Chef Paul Landemare, whom she married. Working for the Churchills since 1930, she first worked at Chartwell doing weekend parties. In 1939, she started full time as a private cook at No. 10 Downing Street and the War Rooms during the week, and then came to Chartwell on the weekends, until it became too dangerous for the family to be there. Just before a bomb fell on No. 11 Downing, she was called repeatedly to a bomb shelter. When she finally got there she told Churchill, “Sir, the soufflé is not quite done.” You have to admire a cook like this! On VE night Sir Winston Churchill told her he would not have made it through the war without her!

The Kitchen Garden, Chartwell, Kent, UK

The Kitchen Garden, Chartwell, Kent, UK

The playhouse, named MaryCot, was built for their youngest daughter, Mary. It is also in the kitchen garden. What a wonderful place to pretend and play! Of course, there was a miniature kitchen in there!

Marycot, The Playhouse For Mary, Chartwekk, Kent, UK

MaryCot, The Playhouse For Mary, Chartwell, Kent, UK

Wow, with all we’ve seen a rest is called for!

The Benches, Chartwell, Kent, UK

Last, but not least, on the way back to the restaurant, let’s look in the Butterfly House!

The Butterfly House, Chartwell, Kent, UK

See you next time! If you are in the UK a stop to see Chartwell would be well worth the time! Next, we on our way to see Ann Boleyn at Hever Castle! See you there!

The Rose Garden at Chartwell, Kent, UK

The National Trust: Chartwell, Home of Winston Churchill

Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, UK

To my surprise, one of the National Trust estates that I liked the best was Chartwell, the principle home of Winston Churchill. I knew my husband would like it. I thought there would be several military rooms and manly stuff. I was pleasantly surprised at how “down to earth and homey” it was. I didn’t realize Winston Churchill liked to paint. There are beautiful water color paintings throughout the home, that he painted. The house commands a spectacular view across the Weald of Kent, the primary reason for it’s purchase, since the farmhouse “had no architectural merit.” The gardens and surrounding countryside were inspirational for Churchill’s paintings. The entire home has been preserved as it would have looked when Churchill owned the home, with original furniture, books, and some of the medals and honors that Churchill received. His wife, Clementine, left her mark in the gardens. The Golden Rose Garden, a gift from their children for their Golden Wedding Anniversary, is not to be missed. A rock garden feature caught Lady Churchill’s eye at the 1948 Chelsea Flower Show and the designer, Gavin Jones, gave it to her! There is a large kitchen garden which produced hampers of food for the Churchill’s London home or for 10 Downing Street, when they were away from Chartwell. The hampers of vegetables were sent by car every Monday and by train on Thursdays, to the cook, Mrs. Georgina Landemare. Churchill built the walls around the gardens himself (at ninety bricks per hour; (he timed himself) and their pets Rufus I and Rufus II are buried in the gardens, just like we would do. There is a cottage/playhouse (called Marycot) in the garden, built for their youngest daughter, Mary. They seemed like down to earth people to me!

This is what I learned………. about Chartwell.

The site was built upon as early as the 16th century when the estate was called, “Well Street.” There was a well at the north side of the house called, Chart Well. “Chart” is an Old English word for rough ground. Henry VIII is reputed to have stayed here when he was courting Anne Boleyn at nearby Hever Castle. In the 19th century it was a red-brick farmhouse of tile-hung gables and poky windows.

The Churchill’s bought the property in 1922, which consisted of the main farmhouse on eighty acres and three cottages. They immediately set out to renovate and update the home. I liked it because it was so light and airy with beautiful views from all the windows. The home eventually contained five reception rooms, nineteen bed and dressing rooms, eight bathrooms and a heated and floodlit swimming pool. There was also a water garden where he fed his fish and small lakes were created from dams, and were linked by steps descending from the farmhouse terraces. It was overall very tranquil. Churchill often commented, “A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted.”

In 1938, Churchill suffered big losses on Wall Street and put the estate up for sale. The industrialist, Sir Henry Strakosch, agreed to take over Churchill’s stock market shares for three years, and paid off all the debts. During WWII the home was mostly unused, due to it’s exposed position on the hill and being so near the English Channel and German occupied France. It would be potentially vulnerable to German air attacks or commando raids. The Churchill’s spent their weekends at Ditchley, in Oxfordshire, or their official country residence, Chequers, in Buckinghamshire.

In 1946 the Churchill’s could no longer afford to keep up the property, so a consortium of wealthy businessmen purchased the estate and arranged a nominal rent so the Churchills could live there until their deaths. Churchill died in 1965 and Lady Churchill decided to present the property to the National Trust at that time as pre-arranged. I think this home may have brought back too many memories for her.

Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, UK

Let’s take a look at this beautiful estate. First, the home. No pictures allowed inside, so we’ll see it from every angle outside! Most pictures get a look at Clementine’s roses too!

Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, UK

Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, UK

Let’s sit awhile and just enjoy the view from the terrace! I LOVED this table!

A Unique Table on One the Terraces Overlooking the Grounds, Chartwell, UK

The Open Grounds of Chartwell, Kent, UK

I could be very happy in one of the cottages found behind the garden walls!

One of Three Cottages on the Grounds of Chartwell, Kent, UK

A tip: Get to Chartwell early in the day. The admissions are timed, so you may have to wait to get inside the grounds, although that might be a blessing as there is a fabulous cafe there called, “Landemare”, after their cook. There are Chalkboards everywhere on the grounds with quotes from Winston Churchill!

Cafe Landemare, Charwell, Kent, UK

Also, as with most National Trust properties, there is a gift shop you could spend hours in. Or you can look over lots of plants that are available to purchase and take home. Oh, if I only lived in England! I would need an 80 acre garden for all my National Trust plants! Tomorrow let’s walk through the fabulous gardens of Chartwell!

Plants For Sale, Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, UK

The National Trust: Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Entrance to the Gift Shop at Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Scotney Castle is another National Trust property and is a real bargain as there are actually two castles and beautiful grounds here to see. Since we have previously explored the old Castle ruins and the lower gardens in previous posts, today we will be going to the new Scotney Castle.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Scotney Castle Garden, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

At the top of the hill stands the new Scotney Castle, which was built to replace the Old Castle between 1835 and 1843. It was designed by Anthoney Salvin, in the Tudor Revival architectural design. Following the death of Elizabeth Hussey, in 2006, this estate was opened for the first time by the National Trust in 2007.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

We read previously about the Darrell family, who owned the estate for 350 years, and the ghosts and hauntings during that time that have become legend. In 1778 Edward Hussey bought the estate and his grandson, also named Edward, built the “new” castle from sandstone quarried from the slope below. The hollow created was developed into a quarry garden and contains a 100-year-old impression of a dinosaur’s footprint.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

When Christopher Hussey died in 1970, the estate was left to the National Trust, which let out several apartments in the castle and on the estate. Margaret Thatcher rented the Belfry flat during the 1970’s and 1980’s, using it for weekend escapes from Westminster. Very knowledgable staff greet you and are present on the first and second floors as you tour on your own. The house was left just as it was and it is priceless to see how the other half lives! My favorite rooms were the kitchen, dining room, and dish room! Enjoy your day at Scotney Castle!

The Interior of Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

“Fear God, Honor the King”, a reading on one of the fireplaces! Love it!

One of the Many Fireplaces of Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Old Scotney Castle in the Daylight!

The Ruins of Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

As promised, today we’ll walk the grounds of Old Scotney Castle! Can you recognize the pictures I created for the Haunted Scotney Castle blog, from the daytime pictures?

First, the aerial view so you get an idea of the ruins of the old castle and the gardens.

Aerial View of Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Then we’ll walk down to the ruins that sit at the bottom of the hill to get a closer look! Click on any of the pictures to enlarge them!

The Walk Down the Hill from New Scotney Castle to Old Scotney Castle

The Walk Down the Hill from New Scotney to Old Scotney

The Walk Down the Hill from New Scotney Castle to Old Scotney Castle

The Walk Down the Hill from New Scotney to Old Scotney

The Walk Down the Hill from New Scotney Castle to Old Scotney Castle

The Ruins of Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

The Walk Down the Hill from New Scotney Castle to Old Scotney Castle

Then the gardens…………..

The Gardens at Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Then the ruins……… up close and personal!

The Ruins of Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

And the haunted entry and bath in the daylight!

One of the Remaining Dorrways at Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

One of the Remaining Doorways at Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UKA

The Bath at Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Tomorrow we’ll be at the New Scotney Castle! Back up the hill we go! See you there!

New Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Old Scotney Castle and the Hauntings, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Old Scotney Castle in Dusk, Lamberhurst, UK

Old Scotney Castle in Dusk, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

There are actually two castles at Scotney Castle, near the settlement of Lamberhurst, in Kent; the Old Castle and the New Castle. Today the property is owned by The National Trust, so we had a chance to visit the Scotney property on my “English Garden Tour.” We will walk first, down the hill to the ruins of the featured medieval, moated manor on a small island, on a small lake; Old Scotney Castle. The lake is surrounded by a sloping wooded garden with collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, wisteria and roses. The ruins of the castle, gardens, moat and lake are beautiful in the bright sunlight of day. But, what do they look like at night?

Since we are nearing Halloween I thought I would look and see if any of the castles or estates we visited were indeed haunted.

So lets sit by the crackling fire with our cup of ale, and let the night play tricks on our mind. The country side is crisp and the early mornings bring a swirling marsh mist, but as dusk falls nature comes alive and the senses are heightened! Pray tell us! What went on at the Old Scotney Castle?

This is what I learned………… about the ghosts at Scotney Castle.

In 1137 the owner of the estate was Lambert de Scoteni. The family name gave the castle it’s title. (Hence Scotney Castle)

In 1259 Walter de Scoteni was persuaded by William de Valence to give poison to the Earl of Gloucester and his friends, when they dined at a banquet at the manor of the Earl of Gloucester’s. Many people died, however the Earl escaped death, but did lose his hair, teeth and fingernails! Walter de Scoteni was hanged, and some say his ghost walks the castle remains, where eerie whisperings and ghostly footsteps are heard.

In 1378 Roger Ashburnham built a castle, the construction being roughly a rectangular fortified manor house with towers in each corner, designed to withstand attacks by the French on English towns in the south of England. Eventually, the castle became the ancestry home of the Darrell family.

Catholicism was illegal in the 16th century. Thomas Darrell added “priest holes” to the castle to be used for hiding priests fleeing capture. Father Richard Blount, a Jesuit missionary and the family priest at the castle from 1591 to 1598, conducted secret services for the Catholics in Kent. At Christmas in 1598, Father Blount’s presence was betrayed. The authorities took up residence in the castle and conducted rigorous searches of the manor and property. During a terrible storm, and with help from the servants, Father Blount escaped his hiding place and jumped into the moat. He was never caught. Is the ghostly figure…..dripping wet…..that of Father Blount returning to the castle to dry off and carry on with his services?

In the 18th century Arthur Darrell lived in the castle and was a smuggler. Some say he killed a revenue collector and threw his corpse in the moat around the castle. Darrell fled the country and died abroad. In 1720 his body was returned to the estate for burial. It is said that as the coffin was lowered into the ground a tall stranger in a black cloak whispered, “That is not me they think they are burying.” The stranger was never seen again. Did Arthur Darrell fake his own death so he could continue smuggling? Ever since that moment people have described seeing the ghost of the revenue collector rise from the murky depths of the moat, covered in weeds, and taking to a pathway which leads to the front door of the old castle. He is said to bang on the door seeking the long gone spirit of Arthur Darrell.

One of the Doors to the Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

In 1924, Darrell’s iron studded coffin in the Scotney Chapel at St Mary’s Church in Lamberhurst, was opened by the sexton. The coffin was filled with rocks! That discovery fueled the story of tax collector ghost at Scotney Castle!

Today the ruins are closed off to the public after teatime. I for one am glad! So taking liberty with some of my pictures of the castle, I have created their ghostly look at dusk. Let’s have another cup of ale! Could Walter Scoteni, Father Blount and Authur Darrell be banging on the door to get inside to take a bath? That’s was all I found inside the castle’s ruins!

Inside Old Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

See you tomorrow in the gardens and castle grounds on a bright summer day! You will see how beautiful the Old Castle and grounds really are! In the daytime! Enjoy!

Old Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

We’re off to Scotney Castle, home of Edward Hussey III. What will we find here? More to follow from the castle! See you there!

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

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Posts tagged ‘National Trust’

National Trust, Smallhythe Place: The Home of Ellen Terry

Smallhythe: The Home of Ellen Terry

Haunted Hever Castle: Have You Seen Anne Boleyn?

A Look at Hever Castle, Childhood Home of Anne Boleyn

The Gardens at Chartwell, Home of Winston Churchill

The National Trust: Chartwell, Home of Winston Churchill

The National Trust: Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Old Scotney Castle in the Daylight!

Old Scotney Castle and the Hauntings, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

Old Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

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