The name Betenham is carved in the stone above the west door of Cranbrook Church in association with the arms of two other local families, the de Berhams who owned the Manor of Sissinghurst, and the Wilsfords.   The carving is believed to date from 1434.   In 1450, Robert Betenham is referred to as one of the “Tall Parsonages of the Weald,” who obtained a parden from the King for the part he played in Jack Cade’s rebellion...

 

According to Edward Hasted’s History of Kent, published in 1790, “Betenham is a Manor situated at the north east boundary of the parish of Cranbrook and is now called Betnams Wood, having a street or hamlet of houses adjoining it.”   In modern day terms, the word “Street,” would be inappropriate.   However, Bettenham Manor with its adjoining Three Roundel Oast House and Moat (Privately owned) thankfully still remain today and we, here at Bettenham B & B (once the Farm Cottage) are immediately opposite, together with two smaller cottages (once the stables for the  horse power!)

 

On the break-up of the Cornwallis Estates, Bettenham was purchased by Capt. A O R Beale.   He sold it to Victoria Sackville-West, the owner of Sissinghurst Castle in 1936, but continued to farm the land, together with that of the Castle.  Vita Sackville-West died in 1962 and left the property to her two sons...

 

 

 

Roger and I purchased Bettenham Cottage in February 1983.   Our son Sebastian was a baby and our daughter Heidi was born in the May.   We always had great plans for Bettenham, the position deserved it and the cottage needed to be extended into a family home.   The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council were very impressed with Roger’s plans, though I had certain reservations, he served a seven year apprenticeship as is a qualified Boat Builder; not really the same as bricks and mortar - I should have had more faith...

 

One night in October 1987, the hurricane hit our home, the house was damaged, but thankfully we weren’t hurt.   So many wonderful trees were felled that night and Rogers‘ passion with wood forced him to act, he was one of the first in Kent to purchase a mobile saw mill, thus being able to collect fallen oak, pine and cedar trees, some of which was used to restore and extend our beautiful home;   then went onto make some of the furniture too.

 

The main part of our land had been purchased from the farm and was still very field like.   I have a keen interest in plants and “needed” to create a garden, however, I didn’t want to “jar” with the surrounding truly rural landscape...   Then there’s the wildlife, I know the Kingfisher only calls in for his supper and the pheasants break down my plants, but I wouldn’t be without them.  

 

Did I mention the nightingales that sing us to sleep during the early summer months and the badgers you might see on your walk home from The Three Chimneys? Thank heavens they don’t come into the garden!