Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Vinters Park is situated at the edge of historic Maidstone. It is one of two

historic parks on the eastern side of the town. Established by James Whatman it

reflects the growth of influence and wealth of the family that was involved in the

proto-industrial developments in the paper industry in the Maidstone area. The

park was redesigned in the style of Repton and includes a Victorian wild garden.

Monument Types

• PARK (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

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Text from the Vinters Park Trust: "Roger de Vinter bought the land from the Abbott of Boxley in 1343, and built the first house. He also created the park and gave his name to the property. Not much is known about the early owners of the estate but it is recorded that Henry Isley took part in the Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger’s Rebellion of 1554 and was executed. His property was seized by Queen Mary who then bequeathed it to a Henry Cutts of Bynbury. After several more owners including Sir William Tufton the Governor of Barbados, the Vinters estate was bought by a local businessman, James Whatman. His father (James Whatman the elder) had married into Turkey Court Paper Mill nearby. James Whatman the younger moved into the house in 1782, having bought it from Lord Ongley. The estate then covered 86 acres, and was extensively improved before they moved in, at the cost of £5000. During 1797 after his retirement at 53 following a stroke, he bought more land and property, adding Newnham Court Farm and some local houses. James died in 1798 aged 57, and like many of the Whatman family was buried at Boxley Church. His son also called James, inherited the estate and had three sons. The estate passed again onto his eldest son James in 1852. Around this time there were extensive alterations made to the house with many rooms added including a Dairy, Brew House, Still room, Larder, Servants hall, Pantry Study and Bathroom. Like many fine houses of the day, it had an icehouse, boat house, landscaped grounds with many exotic trees and plants, and a large walled kitchen garden with heated glasshouses and extensive stables. James died in 1887 and his widow remained in the house until 1905."

A tree-ring analysis by English Heritage on a tree felled in 1999 discovered a first ring date of AD 1761 (1)

<1> English Heritage, 2005, Analysis of trees from six woodlands in Kent (Unpublished document). SKE13588.

Sources and further reading