August 4, 2014 -- Day 50, Chartwell, 11 miles

Chartwell, the home of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, is located only a few miles from my B&B, so I decided to tour it today. This area is characterized by gently rolling hills, providing grand views, near and far. Chartwell, itself, is located among the hills, and with its manicured gardens, it’s a beautiful setting to spend a day – or if you are Winston Churchill, a lifetime.

Scords Wood

 

The house is a museum of Churchill family memorabilia, but except for a few WWII items, I was mainly interested in the garden. (Actually, even the garden has a bit of memorabilia – a crater from a German bomb dropped in the winter of 1940-41. It’s not clear that the Germans were trying to bomb the house – there were many bombs dropped in this area as aircraft released unspent ordnance following strategic missions before crossing the channel to return home.)

 



View from Terrace

The walk to and from Chartwell was also a delight, passing by Emmetts Garden, over Toy’s Hill, and through the hamlet of Puddledock. With names like those, you know you’re in for a treat. As I was returning, I met the first actual walkers I’ve seen in a long time. Sandra and John are from Liverpool. They are visiting their daughter in Tonbridge and may have been lured into the woods by fanciful names as much as I was.

Sandra and John

© 2014 Ken Klug