IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Howick Close, AYLESFORD, ME20 7RP

The whole property of Preston Hall is being converted into a residential site, with Redway one of the developers. This is the main driveway from the south and the A20 London Road, with Image visible in the distance.

One of a pair of lions guarding the entrance to Image The female (pictured) plays with her cubs, the male, on the opposite side of the drive, is killing a snake. Or so I thought, but according to the listing details for these sculptures http://list.historicengland.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1363122&searchtype=mapsearch "Statues on plinths. Circa 1850 by John Thomas for Edward Betts. Stone. Rectangular plinths carrying statues of lion and lioness grappling with python and 2 dogs respectively. Plinths with strap-work and floral decoration." I still think, judging by the ear shapes and attitudes, I'm sticking with my interpretation, make up your own mind. See also Image, Image and Image

One of a pair of lions guarding the entrance to Image The female (pictured) plays with her cubs, the male, on the opposite side of the drive, is killing a snake. Or so I thought, but according to the listing details for these sculptures http://list.historicengland.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1363122&searchtype=mapsearch "Statues on plinths. Circa 1850 by John Thomas for Edward Betts. Stone. Rectangular plinths carrying statues of lion and lioness grappling with python and 2 dogs respectively. Plinths with strap-work and floral decoration." I still think, judging by the ear shapes and attitudes, I'm sticking with my interpretation, make up your own mind. See also Image], Image and Image

One of a pair of lions guarding the entrance to Image The male (pictured) is killing a snake, the female, on the opposite side of the drive, plays with her cubs. Or so I thought, but according to the listing details for these sculptures http://list.historicengland.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1363122&searchtype=mapsearch "Statues on plinths. Circa 1850 by John Thomas for Edward Betts. Stone. Rectangular plinths carrying statues of lion and lioness grappling with python and 2 dogs respectively. Plinths with strap-work and floral decoration." Make up your own mind Image] Image] See also Image

One of a pair of lions guarding the entrance to Image The male (pictured) is killing a snake, the female, on the opposite side of the drive, plays with her cubs. Or so I thought, but according to the listing details for these sculptures http://list.historicengland.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1363122&searchtype=mapsearch "Statues on plinths. Circa 1850 by John Thomas for Edward Betts. Stone. Rectangular plinths carrying statues of lion and lioness grappling with python and 2 dogs respectively. Plinths with strap-work and floral decoration." Make up your own mind Image] Image] See also Image

Preston Hall Hospital was originally founded as Preston Hall Tuberculosis Colony. From 1948 it was administered by Preston Hall Hospital Management Committee, responsible to the Regional Hospital Board. Reorganization in 1974 changed the administration to Maidstone District Health Authority, and in 1993 to Mid-Kent Healthcare NHS Trust.

At the main entrance off London Road, A20.

In the grounds of Image, the wonderfully twisted bole of this horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, must be 20 feet around.

Preston Hall was the home of Sir Thomas Culpeper, Lord Sherriff of Kent in the reign of Edward I (1272-1307) but Preston Manor is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The current building dates from the mid 19th century and was built for E L Betts. More information http://www.culpepperconnections.com/archives/uk/places/prestonhall.htm It became a hospital and Tuberculosis Colony during WWI and the Royal British Legion Village is in the grounds.