Godmersham Park Heritage Centre was opened to the public in 2008 by kind permission of Mr. John Sunley of Godmersham Park. The Heritage Centre holds the records of the parishes of Godmersham and Crundale and there is a small exhitibion hall that documents the history of the two villages.
The Heritage Centre has a growing number of collections on the history of the area including the archives of Rex Lancefield, the famous Kent historian. Items of interest include:
Another major attraction is Godmersham Park itself. Built in 1722 it was once the home of Edward Knight (nee Austen), brother to the novelist Jane Austen. The house is closed to the public but a public footpath runs through part of the estate offering views of the house and folly. During your visit you can also visit the St. Lawrence the Martyr Church and see the memorials of Thomas Knight and his family. Or walk the North Downs Way to neighbouring Chilham with it's historic square which is often used in films such as Jane Austen's Emma.
Contact
Mondays April -October, 2pm-4pm. Please check before your visit as opening hours are subject to staff availability National Garden Scheme Sunday 7th April & Sunday 16th June