Wingham Court, Canterbury Road, Wingham

Image: © Jo and Steve Turner Taken: 8 Jul 2016

Grade II* Listed 15th century house extended to the left in 1574 and re-clad early in the 18th century and again 100 years later. Formerly the manor house of the Archbishop's manor of Wingham it remained in the hands of the archbishops until 1538 when it became the property of the Crown. It is not certain when the first house was built, but it is reputed that Thomas Becket stayed there in 1170. In 1800 Edward Hasted detailed the parish stating that in the 5th year of Charles I (1630?) 'granted the scite, called Wingham court, with the demesne lands of the manor' for the use of the city of London. He further states that 'it was conveyed, at the latter end of that reign, to Sir William Cowper, knight and baronet, in whose descendants it has continued down to the right hon. Peter-Francis Cowper, earl Cowper, who is the present owner of it'. The manor itself with profits and privileges was granted to the Oxenden family.

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