I found an old advert, either from a newspaper or a magazine, for the auction of Fairseat Manor and 235 Acres. I have different records as to whether the date of auction was 1960 or 1968, probably because a zero and 8 can look quite similar in small print. I'd be grateful if anyone can confirm the date. The auction took place in July of that year.
The two villages of Stansted and Fairseat are perched on the edge of the North Downs in Kent, less than a mile apart. This beautiful area has been my home since 2001 and as an ardent photographer I find I have amassed quite a collection of photographs of the countryside and local events. I also fitfully research historical photographs and writings on the 2 villages and surrounding area. I hope you enjoy my findings.
Monday, January 3, 2022
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Court House in Fairseat (previous name 'The Cottage')
On another post about Fairseat House (which is next door to Court House/The Cottage) Becca Peters commented and told me this:
"Fairseat House was a school. Court House was originally built for the headmistress' brother which is why there is a little gate between the two. It was deemed unsuitable for a man to live in the same building"
Dick also told me this information:
"Horace Grant had the house built in around 1850 at about the same time as Fairseat House. He lived in it and called it The Cottage. His sister, Hannah, ran a boarding school for girls in Fairseat House"
I don't have the image in a better quality or size, but will continue to look out for one.
Friday, June 11, 2021
Hodsoll Street, new 'old' images
Two old postcards of Hodsoll Street, both showing the Green Man Pub. The top one I have never seen before, Green Man Pub is on the right, and one of my favourite houses is on the left, it still looks almost the same I think! I had to get a bit creative with the trees in the background, as there was a sticker over that area of the postcard.
The image beneath has featured on my blog before, but it had a watermark over it,. I've managed to get rid of that now.
These are both beautiful images of a bygone era.
Wentfield, Fairseat
Many thanks to the knowledgeable Dick Hogbin of Stanstedhistory.org for identifying where this house is. It is on the left hand side of the Gravesend Road travelling north (more or less opposite the turning to Vigo).
It was the home of the Lance family for many years. There is an article about the Lances on Dick's website on the area HERE.
Platt Farm / Platt House
I had to do a bit of detective work to track down the location of this old postcard found on Ebay, of Platt Farm, Fairseat. I am estimating it to be from the 20s/30s era.
Saturday, May 8, 2021
BBC short film featuring Daphne Oram of Tower Folly, Fairseat
Nice little film by the BBC featuring pioneering women working in Electronic sounds and music. Daphne Oram is shown at the beginning, and just at the end of her segment you see her working in her studio at Tower Folly. Click here for link







