Dartford Talk: The Great Estates : Hall Place and Foots Cray Place with Oliver Wooller

Doors open 9.45am. The meeting / talk will start at 10.30am and end by 12.30pm.

Oliver Wooller, who is archivist for Bexley borough, tells the fascinating story of the historic houses some of which no longer exist in his book The Great Estates.

Oliver will talk about Hall Place, in Bexley, saying that there has been a house on the site for centuries, but the history of the present house only begins with the purchase of the estate by Sir John Champneys from the Shelley Family in 1537.

Sir John was an archetypal member of the new gentry which emerged under Henry VIII, and he became Lord Mayor of London in 1534. It is not inconceivable the King may have hunted on the estate.

Foots Cray Place, in Sidcup, had an equally fascinating history.  But whereas Hall Place flourished into the 21st century, Foots Cray is mainly known now for its meadows; with most visitors unaware of the fine house which once stood there and its famous occupiers.  The ancient Manor of Foots Cray is recorded in the Domesday Book.

Among its many famous inhabitants were the Walsingham family. Sir Francis was the man who set up an intelligence network, which uncovered the Babington plot, preserving Elizabeth I on her throne and bringing about the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Tragically, a fire broke out on October 18, 1949, and the building was so badly damaged, it had to be demolished.

The talks venue has a large, free car park but it is shared with other users and can be busy at times.

No booking, just turn up.

The Society is a registered charity and membership fees and donations are an important part of our income. The Talk is free to members but guests and visitors are asked to make a donation towards hall hire and speaker's fee. There will be a donations box at the venue.