Eastwell, Kent

Much of the medieval parish church of St Mary collapsed in 1951, and most of the ruins were demolished in 1956. Only the 15th-century west tower, the west wall of the south aisle and a 19th-century mortuary chapel remain standing. Since 1980 the remains have been a Scheduled Ancient Monument^[3] and cared for by the Friends of Friendless Churches charity.^[4]

Eastwell Park is a country estate almost one square mile in area surrounding Eastwell Manor, a 20th century Jacobethan country house rebuilt from the previous house and completed in 1928. Eastwell Lake was created at the same time. The hotel offers a golf course, indoor swimming pool and horseriding.

Contemporary with the house is Eastwell Towers, a Jacobethan gatehouse in the adjacent parish of Boughton Aluph. The drive from the gatehouse to the manor house is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long.

Lake House is a late 13th-century house in Eastwell Park south of the manor house. It has a 17th-century roof and 19th-century windows, but retains four original windows, now blocked. It is a Grade II* listed building.^[5]

There are three tiers of local government covering Eastwell, at parish, district and county level: Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parish Council, Ashford Borough Council, and Kent County Council. The parish council is a grouped parish council, covering the two parishes of Eastwell and Boughton Aluph. It meets at the village hall in Boughton Lees, known as the Iron Room.^[6]

By age of birth:

• Richard Plantagenet (Richard of Eastwell) (1469–1550), purported son of King Richard III
• Sir Thomas Moyle (1488–1560), Speaker of the House of Commons
• Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661–1720), poet and courtier
• George Finch-Hatton, 11th Earl of Winchilsea (1815–1887), politician, and his family
• Prince Alfred of Great Britain, Duke of Edinburgh (1866–1900), and his family

• Listed buildings in Eastwell, Kent