The visit to Danson House and Hall Place, Bexley was attended by 49
members. At Danson House we had coffee and biscuits, then the two
excellent guides, Chris Mcmillan and Val Mann, took a party each around
the fine Palladian House pointing out the many interesting features.
The House has only recently been restored by English Heritage and, as
we were the only group visiting that day, this proved a most
informative experience. After lunch at Danson House we moved on to Hall
Place. As the weather was looking inclement, it was decided to tour the
beautiful gardens first with the Head Gardener, Tony Wield. Surrounding
the house are award winning formal gardens with magnificent topiary,
enclosed gardens and inspirational herbaceous borders. Elizabeth
Wedmore, Director of Bexley Heritage Trust, then took us on a short
tour of Hall Place, a fine Grade I listed country house built in 1537
for Sir John Champneys, a wealthy merchant and former Lord Mayor of
London. The house boasts a panelled Tudor Great Hall, overlooked by a
minstrel's gallery, and various period rooms. The 17th century
additions and improvements by Sir Robert Austen include a vaulted Long
Gallery and splendid Great Chamber with a fine plaster ceiling.
Reported: Tuesday 07 October 2008
