Fawkham Green in Kent or Fawkham is not likely a place you have ever heard of. Indeed, in 17 97 it was described thusly:THIS PARISH is a lonely unfrequented place, and contains about one thousand acres of land, of which about two hundred and fifty are wood, having no public high road through it. It lies on high ground, among the hills; the soil is much inclined to chalk, and is very slinty and barren, but though it is poor, yet this, as well as the neighbouring parishes in a like situation, is in some measure recompensed by being exceedingly healthy. There are two hamlets in it called Fawkham-green and Fawkham-street. The church stands near the northern boundary of it. The seat of Pennis is situated in the middle of the parish, adjoining to a large wood, which extends quite across it.
For all that, or perhaps because of it, the Duke of Norfolk built a country home here in 1806. Now the Brands Hatch hotel, it is a beautiful Georgian Manor and a lovely place to stay. The red brick mansion comes into view at the end of a tree-lined drive and visitors may enjoy twelve acres of surround gardens and parklandm
I have to admit it is not as quiet as it would have been in the Duke of Norfolk's day as one can easily hear the sound of engines buzzing from the nearby racetrack. But the grounds are quite lovely, the room elegantly appointed and the dining excellent.
More enticing yet were the glimpses of the Regency still visible inside and outside.
This staircase for example, and the exterior above.
If you like to stay where history meets modern conveniences, this might well be the place for you.
Join me next time as I delve deeper into Kent,
Until then.......