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Hall Place (Bexley)

Description: Hall Place is a former stately home, today a Grade 1 listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument, beside the River ... more

Hall Place (Bexley) ... Cray, west of Bexleyheath and north-east of Old Bexley. It is in the London Borough of Bexley in south-east London. The house dates back to around 1540 when wealthy merchant Sir John Champneys (also spelt Champneis), Lord Mayor of London in 1534, used stone recycled from a nearby former monastery, Lesnes Abbey, to build himself a country house on a site where a manor house was recorded some 300 years earlier in 1241. Alterations to Champneys' house were made in 1560. In 1649, the house was sold to another wealthy City merchant, Sir Robert Austen (1587–1666), who added a second wing built of red bricks, doubling the size of the house but without trying to harmonise the two halves built in highly contrasting architectural styles. He was created 1st Baronet Austen, of Hall Place in Bexley, on 10 July 1660 and briefly held the office of Sheriff of Kent.

Newest Review: ... it has a stunning panelled Tudor Great Hall, a minstrels gallery, period rooms and a Great Chamber. There are various ... more

... exhibits and displays, including the history of the house and Art exhibitions. The Gardens - These are some of the most beautiful gardens you are likely to see anywhere. Hall place gardens have won the Civic Trust's Green Flag award for eleven years running and also have coveted Green Heritage Site status. There are the stunning topiary beasts, mini gardens, beautiful trees, masses of green land, it also has a tropical green house where next to the turtles and tropical fish there are pineapples and bananas growing happily...more

Read Reviews for Hall Place (Bexley)

Hall Place (Bexley): You feel like you are a 1000 miles away. (548 words)
by - written on 17/06/09 (Very useful, 158 readings)
Rating:

I am very lucky to live within walking distance of this beautiful tranquil haven, I use it regularly and have found no other place that is more peaceful and loved by the local people and its visitors. What it is Hall place is a beautiful estate covering a huge 65 hectares, It used to be the home of Sir John Champneys, the former Lord Mayor of London. It is now a Grade 1 listed building and is looked after by Bexley Heritage Trust. I see Hall place as a bit of a puzzle, it is made up of different sections that could be visited independently but put them together and you get the amazing full beautiful picture. There is the house - ... Read the complete review

Hall Place (159 words)
by - written on 20/05/09 (Useful, 11 readings)
Rating:

Hall Place is an old stately home with beautiful gardens and surrounding area. I grew up in the area and we regularly went to visit Hall Place. Inside the home is an museum which shows some of the history of the Grade 1 listed house and area of Bexley. The house is located next to the River Cray and next door to the house is a very nice restaurant. There is also a large field next door that is open to anyone and normally holds saturday and sunday football leagues. The grounds have recently been renovated and the former cafe is no more. Instead there is a new pavillion style building behind some of the gardens. I haven't been there yet but it is supposed to be a great ... Read the complete review