Chartham is mentioned in historical records as far back as 871 when Ethelred, Archbishop of Canterbury, received the Manor of Chartham as a gift from the King. In those days a “Manor” was a clearing in rough land, the Manor House came later. Certeham, as Chartham was called then, meant a settlement on rough ground. By the time the Doomsday Book was completed ‘Certeham’ was well established and thriving. There is evidence to suggest that a Manor House was in existence by 1065 if not earlier. The Deanery was built on the site of this Manor House in the 14th century by the Prior of Canterbury Cathedral who presided over the Manorial Court. Court Lodge, a wealden house, was built in the courtyard of The Deanery around 1495. This house has recently been restored with many of the original features preserved, including the jettying and timbers.
There were five other Manors which fell within the Parish boundary:- Denstead, Horton, Howfield, Shalmsford Bridge and Shalmsford Street.

Chartham Level Crossing	WWII Tank Traps

Denstead - was situated in the northern part of the Parish. In the 12th century Denstead was a separate Ville, belonging to the Prior of Leeds (Kent). Denstead Farmhouse on the site of this Manor was built in the 1500’s, or possibly earlier.

Horton and Horton Chapel - The present house is late 15th, or early 16th century, with 18th and 19th century re-facing and refurbishment. There is a central hall with fine oak roof with two cruciform crown posts and exposed timber framing.
The Manor of Horton was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is believed that in 1084 it was in the possession of William the Conqueror. The Chapel, dating back to the 13th/14th century is built of flint. It has not been used as a place of worship for 200 Years. Hop Oasts were added to one end and the interior was used as a barn. Inside, a trefoil-headed piscina can still be seen. Outside, the double-arched bell gable still exists.

The occupiers of Horton Manor have plans to restore this Chapel.

Top of page

Howfield - The Manor House is believed to date from 1181 when it was known as ‘Haghefeld’. It was a chapel belonging to the Prior of St. Gregory and remained so until its suppression in the reign of Henry V111. The Manor is said to be haunted by the figure of a monk.

Howfield Manor, situated in Howfield Lane, is now a luxury hotel and restaurant with conference facilities.

Shalmsford - The Manor of Shalmsford belonged to a Saxon named Essamelsford. After the Norman conquest it was given to Odo, half brother of William the Conqueror. Soon after the lands were divided into two Manors, Shalmsford Street and Shalmsford Bridge. The Manor of Shalmsford Street, which was near The George Public House, has long since disappeared.

On the site of the Manor of Shalmsford Bridge stands a 16th century timber framed house. Inside there is an inglenook fireplace and plastered ceiling with bosses - probably late 17th or early 18th century.

St Mary’s Church - There was a church here when the Doomsday Book was complied in 1086. The present building of St. Mary’s Church was started around 1294. The tower was added at the end of the 15th century and the whole building was restored in 1873. Recent archaeological investigations have helped trace the development of the building over the centuries. A revised Church and Village Guide is about to be published.

St Mary’s Church is famous for its brass of Sir Robert de Septvans, which dates from 1306 and is one of the four most important brasses in the country. Other notable features are the 13th century rafters with a splendid carved boss and the Kentish Tracery Windows. The bells are the oldest existing peal in Kent, five of which date from 1605.

The Green - The Green, as it exists today, is part of the larger green, which extended north-eastwards to include the house and lands of Burnt House Farm. (The Railway did not come to Chartham until 1849). Burnt House was built in the 1600’s on the site of a much earlier house. The Barn, with loop lights and queen-posts was built in the 18th century, or earlier. In the farm yard is an interesting three-storey pigeon house which accommodated pigs on the ground floor and chicken on the first floor, leaving the top floor for the pigeons.

Top of page

Around The Green are some of Chartham’s
oldest buildings. The half-timbered Bedford House, once an Inn and then the Poor House, was built
in 1420.
Forge House was built in the 18th century.
The Kings Head Inn, now converted to two dwellings, is at least 500 years old. It was originally a farmhouse.

Opposite is Tanthorn Cottage, another 18th century building with an interesting panel over the doorway, inscribed “Lord with me abide”.

The impressive De L’Angle House, a Restoration building, was built by John Reading in 1662. John Maximilian de L’Angle, of Huguenot descent, bought the house after he was made Rector of Chartham in 1696.

The houses of River Court were built on the site of the old Rectory. Little Court, on the corner, has been converted from the old coach house.

There are more very old buildings in Rattington Street, notably the Artichoke
Inn, built in the 15th century, possibly earlier, and recently restored and refurbished by the Shepherd Neame Brewery. During refurbishment an ancient well was uncovered and now forms part of the dining area. The 15th/16th century Rattington House, thought to be the oldest domestic building in the Parish.

Mystole House is a splendid mansion in the south-west corner of the Parish. It was built in the 16th century by John Bungay, Rector of Chartham, and later became the seat of the Fagge Family.

These are but a few of the architectural gems of all periods to be found in every corner of the Parish. All the houses mentioned are privately owned.

The Corn Mill on the Ashford Road was built in the mid 19th century on the site of a much larger mill which was destroyed by fire. The mill and surrounding buildings have been restored and a residential development nears completion. The mill can be reached by following the Public Rights of Way.

In olden days several mills existed along the banks of the River Stour. One fulling mill was converted into a paper-making mill in the 1700’s. Since that date it has been an important part of Chartham, providing much local employment, although in latter years this has greatly reduced.

St Augustines Hospital was set in 120 acres on The Downs and was formerly an asylum, built in 1875. Originally it accommodated nearly 1000 patients and was almost self supporting with its own farm and workshops. The site was sold by the Area Health Authority to developers and the construction of nearly 500 new houses is nearing completion. Some of the hospitals fine Victorian buildings have been retained but the rest have been demolished. The Water Tower, which remains as a significant land-mark has an uncertain future.

Top of page