Horton Kirby Court Lodge
Has been described as a Possible Fortified Manor House
There are masonry ruins/remnants remains
| Name | Horton Kirby Court Lodge |
| Alternative Names | |
| Historic Country | Kent |
| Modern Authority | Kent |
| 1974 Authority | Kent |
| Civil Parish | Horton Kirby And South Darenth |
This was originally Horton Castle and the majority of the site lies to the south of the existing house. The main portion of the south end dates from the C18. Two storeys faced with rough plaster. Hipped tiled roof. Three sashes with glazing bars intact. C19 porch. The portion to the north of this, now the centre portion is probably older. Two storeys faced with plaster. Tiled roof. Two casement windows. At the north end is a C19 addition of one storey and 2 windows in painted brick with a slate roof and sash windows without glazing bars. The house was considerably altered by Mr George Smith the surveyor who also altered the church tower. (Listed Building Report)
The old Castle or Court Lodge, metamorphosed into the present indifferent farmhouse by Mr George Smith, was some 80 feet square and entirely encompassed by a moat connected with the Darenth River. The outer walls were 4 feet thick. The principal rooms towards the river have long been destroyed. The present brick bridge of one arch replaces a drawbridge attached to the gatehouse (Cresy). The plan shows what appears to be a moated manor-house. Main portion, south end 18th century, 2 storeys faced with rough plaster, hipped tiled roof. Portion to N of this probably older. 19th century addition at N end. To the S of the house is the site of the Castle of which nothing survives above ground, unless any remains are incorporated in the interior of the house (At TQ 56176860 - 'A' Dovecot). Ornamental C18th round building, flint-faced, with buff brick dressings. Nearly conical tiled roof with sqaure wood structure, bird's entrance, with hipped tiled roof (MHLG Schedule Dartford HLG 3541 1952). The S and E walls of the 18th century part of the house, are of exceptional thickness and undoubtedly incorporate remains of the original building. There are stone quoins at the SE corner up to the eaves
Mr W.R.Rogers, the owner, stated that foundations were encountered during the construction of a tennis court on the W side of the house. An old print of the early 19th century in his possession shows the gatehouse and brick bridge over a water-filled moat on the E side. Gatehouse and bridge are gone, but the moat can be traced on this side and around the NE corner, but it is not surveyable. The dovecot is as described. The buildings are in good condition (F1 ASP 15-JUL-60). (PastScape)
Not scheduled
This is a Grade 2 listed building protected by law
Historic England Scheduled Monument Number
Historic England Listed Building number(s)
Images Of England
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
| OS Map Grid Reference | TQ561685 |
| Latitude | 51.3948783874512 |
| Longitude | 0.242390006780624 |
| Eastings | 556100 |
| Northings | 168590 |
