Pictures of Ightham Mote

a Historic Building in the town of Sevenoaks, in the county of Kent

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About Ightham Mote

This 14th century moated manor house, set in a hollow and partly surrounded by woods, serves as a powerful reminder of the past. Its name is nothing to do with its moat, but comes from "moot" the old term for local council, which was held here in medieval times.

The house shows a wonderful mixture of styles, it has glorious timber-framing, red-tile roofs and mellow, creamy stone. The stone parts of the house are the earliest, the timber-framing and brick probably date from around the 16th century.

A bridge spans the moat taking visitors towards an attractive cobbled courtyard, here you can see oak bargeboards carved with the emblems of England, France and Granada. This was a deliberate ploy by the owner of Ightham, Sir Richard Clement, great courtier to Henry VIII, who was anxious to display his allegiance to the Tudor throne. The courtyard is where you can see the oldest part of the house, a stone hall of about 1340. This has its original doorway and an oriel window showing the rose of England and the Pomegranate, emblem of Queen Catherine. The interior of the hall is fascinating, it has a timbered roof with corbels carved in the form of crouching figures, and is lit by a small two light window of the 14th century.

The Tudor chapel is truly outstanding, its early interior has a barrel roof with superb painted decoration in the Tudor colours. There is fine woodwork to the sanctuary, pulpit, pews, and a magnificent intricately carved screen, the windows are 16th century stained glass.

The other rooms show a mixture of decorative styles from the Jacobean, through the 17th century, to the Victorian. These all perfectly depict the long ownership of the Selby family who owned the house from 1598 to 1889. Perhaps the most attractive room is the Drawing room with its vivid hand painted 19th century Chinese wallpaper making a startling contrast to the Jacobean fireplace, painted black and gold.

Since the Selby's the house has had various occupants, finally it was purchased in the 20th century by a Mr. Robinson, who fell in love with it, repaired and restored it. The house is now in the hands of the National Trust, all its furniture and original contents were sold, and what is there now has been replaced since the 1950's. Tastefully chosen, these "newer" pieces do nothing to detract from the overall attractiveness of the place.

The peaceful gardens surrounding the house perfectly reflect the influence of the 19th century William and Morris arts and crafts movement. There are lakes and an abundance of woodland where you can experience tranquil walks amongst lovely plants and wild flowers.

Various events are held throughout the year, there is a cafe for refreshments, a shop for souvenirs, lovely outdoor spots for "al-fresco" eating and paths for cycling.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Ightham Mote.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Ightham Mote

Knole House & Deer Park	(2.6 miles, 4.3 km, direction W)	Pictures
Tonbridge Castle	(4.0 miles, 6.5 km, direction S)	Pictures
Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve	(4.3 miles, 6.8 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Emmetts Garden	(6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction W)	Pictures
Coldrum Long Barrow	(6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Manor Country Park	(6.6 miles, 10.5 km, direction E)	Pictures
Penshurst Place and Gardens	(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Trosley Country Park	(6.9 miles, 11.2 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Chiddingstone Castle	(7.6 miles, 12.3 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Chartwell	(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction W)	Pictures

All attractions in Kent
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Ightham Mote

Shipbourne, in the county of Kent (1.0 miles, 1.5 km)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Plaxtol, in the county of Kent (1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction E)
This is a picturesque Kentish village at the centre of the counties hop growing fields. It has interesting Oast houses and a concentration of charming brick built cottages.
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Tonbridge, in the county of Kent (4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction S)
Fine streets show a rich variety of architecture including typical Wealden tile-hung properties, and handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings dominating the river scene.
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Chiddingstone, in the county of Kent (7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction SW)
Fascinating village, owned by the National Trust which is crammed with beautiful properties from the 16th and 17th-century probably built with iron-industry money.
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Eynsford, in the county of Kent (7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction N)
This is a small town in the Darent Valley. Way back in the mists of history it was thought to be an important town, but is now...
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Meopham Green, in the county of Kent (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction NE)
This is an attractive Kentish village lying to the south of Gravesend. It is picked out by its Windmill of 1801, which has been lovingly restored back to its original working order and is now one of the best preserved in Kent.
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Tunbridge Wells, in the county of Kent (9.0 miles, 14.4 km, direction S)
Also known as Royal Tunbridge Wells and only a short distance from London, this popular spa town gained a reputation as the place to see and be seen during Georgian Times frequented by royalty and fashionable members of aristocracy. It also happens to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
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Brenchley, in the county of Kent (9.4 miles, 15.1 km, direction SE)
Brenchley is a beautiful "showpiece" village full of picturesque Tudor cottages, complimented by houses from the Regency and Victorian periods.
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Downe, in the county of Greater London (10.7 miles, 17.1 km, direction NW)
In common with most of this region the history of Downe reaches down the centuries to the days of the Romans and William the Conqueror.
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Groombridge, in the county of East Sussex (10.7 miles, 17.1 km, direction S)
In an area of attractive, outstanding villages, Groombridge with its 18th-century tiled cottages against the back-drop of a beautiful village green, stands out as being the very epitome of the perfect English village.
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All towns in Kent
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Borough Green & Wrotham Station	(2.7 miles, 4.3 km, direction NE)
Kemsing Station	(2.8 miles, 4.6 km, direction NW)
M20 Junction 2	(4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction N)
M26 Junction 2A	(4.4 miles, 7.0 km, direction NE)
London City Airport	(19.3 miles, 31.0 km, direction NW)
London Gatwick Airport	(20.8 miles, 33.4 km, direction W)
Ightham Mote to London	(24.4 miles, 39.2 km, direction NW)

Accommodation & Hotels near Ightham Mote

Hotel Name
The Royal Oak Hotel	(3.2 miles, 5.2 km, direction W)
The Langley Hotel	(3.6 miles, 5.9 km, direction S)
The Moorings Hotel	(3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction W)
The Hadlow Manor Hotel	(4.0 miles, 6.5 km, direction E)
Holiday Inn Maidstone-Sevenoaks	(4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)
Best Western The Rose And Crown Hotel	(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction S)
Best Western Donnington Manor Hotel	(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction NW)
Brandshatch Place & Spa	(7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction N)
Hever Hotel	(7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction SW)
Larkfield Priory Hotel	(7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction NE)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts