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Eastwell Manor. Nr Ashford
It might be legend, or it could well be fact, but it is said that on the day of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, the then king, Richard III, summoned a young boy whom he told he was his father. Should he lose his crown to Henry VII, Richard instructed the child to never tell anyone of his true identity.
However, it is said that a mason and bricklayer working upon the construction of Eastwell manor during the mid 1500‘s confided in colleagues of his true name: Richard Plantagenet. And his resting place is in the nearby parish church.
This exceptionally beautiful building was also leased by Prince Alfred (second son of Queen Victoria) for two decades.
Eastwell Manor today offers a total of 62 bedrooms, with 23 in the manor and 39 (standard) in the mews cottages.
For internet rates, secure booking and more information, try the hotel’s entries at Booking.com | Lastminute.com and LateRooms
The Abbot’s Fireside. Elham
A curious name for a pretty 15th century inn. Built in 1451, legend has it that Charles II hid in one of the house’s fireplaces while attempting to elude parliamentarian troops. This, of course, may be mere romanticism, but it certainly remains plausible. A more recent connection to historical events is the inn’s celebrated stay by the Duke of Wellington. Indeed, it is said that he used it ahead of embarking for the continent and destiny at the Battle of Waterloo - how much of Napoleon’s downfall was plotted within these walls we will never know. The Abbott’s Fireside offers 5 bedrooms to the Kentish history traveller. Booking.com | TripAdvisor
The Queen’s Inn. Hawkhurst
There’s no doubting that Elizabeth I was a remarkably mobile monarch, with numerous inns and taverns throughout the UK claiming to have an association with her. And this attractive building is one of those, with Queen Bess allegedly having rested here en route to Rye and the famed Cinque Ports. Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake are also said to have paid visits during its long and impressive history.
Situated in the gentile Weald countryside, the Queen’s Inn offers a total of 8 rooms, including one four poster suite for the romantic. London is only one hour away by train. TripAdvisor
The Leather Bottle. Cobham.
Aficionados of 19th century English literature will no doubt be most attracted to Room 6. It was here that Charles Dickens once stayed, with Cobham itself featuring in his famous work Pickwick Papers.
Only 4 miles from the town of Gravesend, the timber frame Leather Bottle dates from 1629. It offers three bedrooms and two four poster suites. TripAdvisor
The George Hotel. Cranbrook.
A boutique hotel housed in a traditional inn dating back to the fourteenth century. It is said that Queen Elizabeth I visited in 1573. The George offers a bar and brasserie and a total of twelve individually styled rooms. Eight of these are located in the older part of the building and include a fine four poster suite (the Crimson room). More information about this historic Kent hotel can be found via Booking.com | LateRooms | Lastminute.com
More Period Hotels and Inns in Kent...
Ashford
Boys Hall. Part 17th century and part Victorian, this attractive old house provides luxury accommodation. Rates and reviews for Boys Hall can be found with Booking.com | LateRooms
Brookland
The Royal Oak. Although enlarged over the centuries, the origins of this inn are Elizabethan. Located on Romney Marsh, Folkestone, Hastings and Ashford are all within easy reach. Booking.com
Canterbury
Also see our special section devoted to places to stay in the Historic City of Canterbury
The House of Agnes. Boutique B&B accommodation in a property that reputedly dates back to the 13th century. Interestingly, the building is mentioned in Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield. Booking.com
Chilham
The Woolpack. Located in the picture-perfect village of Chilham, close to both Canterbury and Ashford, this 15th century inn offers 14 rooms. One of these, it is said, is haunted by a certain ‘grey lady’. Booking.com
Dover
Wallett’s Court Hotel. Over four hundred years old, Wallett’s Court today is a four-star hotel and spa. Discover more via Booking.com | LateRooms
Fawkham
Brands Hatch Place Hotel. This fine Georgian house was built by the Duke of Norfolk as a private retreat in 1806. It is now a renowned four star hotel. LateRooms
Goudhurst
The Star and Eagle. Largely 16th century, this timber-frame property was originally known as the Black Spreadeagle when it was dispensing hospitality to customers during the 1600’s. It is also said that it became the meeting place for the notorious Hawkhurst Gang during the 18th century – effectively a mafia organization renowned for its brutality. Booking.com
Ivychurch
The Old Moat House. Just a few miles up the road from Rye on the way to Ashford, The Old Moat House is a little historic gem which dates from 1460 – the same year as Winchester cathedral was completed. It offers just three guest rooms on a bed & breakfast basis. LateRooms | Booking.com
Lenham
Chilston Park. An attractive 17th century country manor in 250 acres of grounds now operating as a four-star hotel. Booking.com | LateRooms | Lastminute.com
The Dog & Bear. Built in 1602, this former coaching inn is within easy reach for those wishing to visit Leeds Castle - arguably the most attractive of them all. The inn’s claim to fame, however, is that Queen Ann was a guest in 1704. Booking.com
Maidstone
Stone Court. A grade-II listed building constructed in 1716 and formerly used as a residence for Crown Court Judges. Superbreak | Expedia
Pluckley
Elvey Farm. Accommodation is available in the converted 16th century stable block at this ancient old farmstead – the main house itself is said to date from 1406. Highly rated by independent reviewers, it offers 9 guest rooms in all and a rural getaway ambience. Booking.com
Sandwich
The Bell. This particular incarnation of the hostelry to bear its name may be Georgian, but its predecessors date back as far as the 14th century - a historic inn within a very historic little town. Booking.com | Expedia
Molland House. This award-winning bed & breakfast is full of understated period charm and original architectural detail (visitors will be left in no doubt that the place is of timber-frame construction). Built in 1561, the present manor is itself a relative youngster given that it was built directly upon the cellars of its 13th century predecessor. Booking.com
Sarre
The Crown Inn. A traditional 15th century Kentish inn offering a total of 13 rooms. LateRooms
Tonbridge
Tunbridge Wells
Hotel Du Vin. Originally a private mansion built in 1762, this grade-II listed building offers four star accommodation at the heart of Kent’s famous spa town. Booking.com
Kent is rich in heritage, and we have almost certainly overlooked somewhere remarkable to stay. If you know of any historic Kent hotels - especially in and around Canterbury - we would very much like to hear from you. Nights In The Past primarily highlights those places associated with the famous and infamous of years gone by, but we also include period hotels and inns from anywhere between the dark ages and the early Victorian era. We sincerely hope you enjoy the site and visit us again.
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