Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

This is a pre 1939 informal/romantic parkland estate of County/local interest and importance.

Monument Types

• PARK (Post Medieval to Modern - 1700 AD to 2050 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

Bourne Park is a stately Queen Anne period house in rich red brick and stone built in the early-18th century by Elizabeth Aucher. It stands on an elevated platform above the Nailbourne - an intermittent stream with a now reedy and silted lake to the north-east.

The beautiful parkland that surrounds the house is mostly in separate ownership since the house, ancillary buildings and grounds were sold in separate lots in the 1960s. Only some 3.6 hectares are retained with the house comprising extensive lawns, the south-east end of an 18th century lime avenue, a yew walk, shrubbery with a fine Wellingtonia, and a good specimen of a cork oak and other shrubs. The high brick walled garden still has the outhouses, now converted into separate dwellings. There is a private cricket ground and a dramatic drive. Cedars still stand here.

The October 1987 storm caused considerable damage to parkland trees, especially on the skyline to the north-east and east, now exposing the busy A2 highway. Some trees have been lost in the gardens also.
The house has recently been the subject of a thorough and extensive restoration. The gardens are laid out to a design by the late Peter Coats.
Principal building:
house Created 1700 to 1750 A beautiful, stately Queen Anne period house in rich red brick and stone built in the early 18th century by Elizabeth Aucher. It stands on an elevated platform above the Nailbourne - an intermittent stream.

Site timeline
1987: The October 1987 storm caused considerable damage to parkland trees, especially on the skyline to the north-east and east.
People associated with this site: Owner: Lady Elizabeth Aucher (Known to have been active 1700 to 1799)
Features
There is a reedy and silted lake to the north-east of the house.
Yew walk. specimen tree:Wellingtonia.
The south-east end of an 18th century lime avenue. specimen tree: Cork oak.
(1)

In 2012 a geophysical survey was carried out in the park. Anomalies possibly relating to landscaping were found on the land between Bourne House and the lake. (2)

<1> Parks and Gardens Data Services Limited (PGDS), 2005, Parks and Gardens UK (www.parksandgardens.org) (Website). SKE16061.

<2> Lacey Wallace, Paul Johnson and Kristian Strutt, 2013, Bourne Park (Bishopsbourne) Geophysical Survey: 2012 Results (Unpublished document). SKE18147.

Sources and further reading