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Ightham Mote
Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT
Phone: +44 (0)1732 811145
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This Grade I listed building is a fine example of a 14th Century moated manor house and visitors can still view some of the original rooms that date back to when it was built in 1330, including the Great Hall, Crypt, Old Chapel and two Solars. The building’s original architect is unknown, but various owners have made additions – a Tudor chapel with hand painted ceiling and a drawing room with Jacobean fireplace and frieze amongst others. There are also extensive gardens laid out in medieval style but with 19th Century planting.
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Shipbourne Farmers Market
Stumble Hill, Shipbourne, Kent TN10 3PT
Phone: +44 (0)1732 355325
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Voted one of Britain's best farmers' markets in the 2007 BBC Food and Farming awards, this market is held both inside and outside an 11th-century church at the heart of the village. More than 20 stalls offer local fare, including breads, meat, vegetables, mushrooms, smoked fish, pickles, cheeses and fruit, sold direct from the producers. It's a truly local community affair, providing a forum for both shopping and socialising. |
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Tonbridge Castle
Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BG
Phone: +44 (0)1732 770929
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Described as Kent’s best example of a Motte-and-Bailey gatehouse, Tonbridge Castle’s origins date back to the Norman invasion of 1066. William the Conqueror granted his relative, Richard Fitzgilbert (later de Clare), lands in Kent and with it the responsibility of guarding the River Medway crossing at Tonbridge. However, the castle has a stormy history which includes a violent siege following the de Clare’s rebellion against King William II (Rufus), disputes with the Archbishops of Canterbury, and the loss of the castle to both King John and Henry III.
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Penshurst Place & Gardens
Penshurst, Kent TN11 8DG
Phone: +44 (0)1892 870307
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Penshurst Place is a magnificent mediaeval house surrounded by equally magnificent gardens and ancient parkland. The house has been in the same family since 1552 and is maintained as a family home today. The gardens are richly varied, one area being divided by miles of yew hedge into a number of self-contained garden rooms, each with their own individual character and style. Another area is given over the Union Flag Garden where lavender and red and white roses are planted to form the Union flag of Great Britain.
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