The 13th Century St. Nicholas Church, Boughton Malherbe lies on the high ground of the Greensand Ridge where it commands extensive views to the south. On clear days it is (supposedly) possible to see the English Channel & the South Downs from here. The church is quite isolated with only a farm & a few houses nearby. Most of the village’s population live in Grafty Green ~ 1 mile SW of the church. In 2011 a hoard of over 350 late Bronze Age objects was found buried in a field near here. They comprised tools, weapons, ornaments & ingots & were believed to have been made in France before being brought over to England. Dating from 875-800 BC this is the third largest hoard of its kind ever to be found in Britain.
Boughton Place is situated next to St. Nicholas’ Church & is an early 16th Century Manor House which has been greatly altered over succeeding years. All that remains of the original house is the small wing on the right- hand side. Formerly known as Bocton Hall , it was home to the Wotton family for over 400 years. Sir Henry Wotton (1568-1639), the famous poet, diplomat & provost of Eton College was born & spent his boyhood here.
Egerton House, near the village of Egerton is a grade II listed mansion. The core of the building dates back to medieval times but the house was significantly enhanced & enlarged by the Cornwallis family during the 18th Century & it was then that it was given its Georgian facade.
Meadow sweet growing by the roadside on the approach to Headcorn fills the air with its sweet scent.
Headcorn is a large Wealden village which is rapidly becoming a small town.
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