Welcome

The Parish of Chiddingstone covers

Chiddingstone, Chiddingstone Causeway, Chiddingstone Hoath and Bough Beech.


 

 

 

His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
1921 - 2021 

The Chairman and members of Chiddingstone Parish Council have expressed much sadness at the news of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip. We join with the nation and the Royal Family in mourning the passing of the much loved and well respected Queen's consort, and give thanks for his long life and devoted service to our nation.

Due to the current lockdown and for the safety of residents, the Parish Council will not be opening a book of condolence, but suggest that if anyone would like to leave a message of sympathy that they sign the online book available on the Buckingham Palace website www.royal.uk.

The Parish Council also ask that no floral tributes are left in the parish. Thank you.

 

Chiddingstone is described as being the most perfect surviving example of a Tudor village in the country. Much of the village is owned by The National Trust.

The Chiding Stone is a large sandstone rock formation, and tradition asserts that the stone was used as a seat of judgement, mainly to remonstrate overbearing local wives. The parish church of St. Mary’s is a beautiful Grade II* listed sandstone church and is, perhaps, the fourth built on the site. In the churchyard is a mausoleum dating from 1736 built by Henry Streatfeild; leading down into the family vault beneath which has a through flow of air provided by vents in two false altar tombs.   The church was almost destroyed by a lightning fire in 1624.  For more information on the church and services, please see http://www.achurchnearyou.com/

Chiddingstone Castle is a thriving visitor attraction.  It dates back to the early 1500s, owned by the Streatfeild family and in the early 1800s was re-built by Henry Streatfeild to resemble a medieval castle.  The castle was sold to Lord Astor in 1938, and then served as a base for military forces during the Second World War.  It then became Long Dene school until 1954 when the school was closed.  Please see more information about the Castle on their website http://www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/.

The Kent Wildlife Trust reserve at Bough Beech reservoir, is a haven for wildlife and one of the most celebrated and visited birdwatching sites in the south east. It's a great family day out for birdwatching, butterflies, historical interest, ancient trees and wildflowers.  You can also see toads, dragonflies and great crested newts.  Please log onto their website at http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/

 

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