Chislehurst Golf Club
The Residents of Camden Place
The people who left their mark on Camden Place
Camden Place takes its name from antiquarian William Camden
Known for his work Britannia and the Annals of Queen Elizabeth I this herald, scholar and writer built himself a home on this site.
Camden made clear his wishes to ‘be buried in that place where it should please God to call me to his mercy.’
But on his death in 1623 and despite his explicit request, his friends arranged for him to be taken to Westminster Abbey – where his life and works are celebrated in Poet’s Corner.
But the house has had other noteworthy residents and stories to tell.
The Camden Place Timeline
In 1760 Sir Charles Pratt buys the house and renames it Camden Place. In 1776 when he becomes an Earl he takes the title Lord Camden of Camden Place. Through him the name of Camden is exported around the world.
In 1813 owners Thompson and Anne Bonar were brutally bludgeoned to death by their footman
In 1823 Emily Rowles is born at Camden Place.
She would later go on to have a romantic relationship with the young exiled Prince Louis Napoleon – with talk of engagement.
Dating from the early 18th century the house was transformed into a Georgian mansion by architects George Dance and designer James ‘Athenian’ Stuart. In the 1860’s it was refurbished as a French chateau, complete with a new dining room with panelling taken from the Chateau de Bercy. It has been described as the ‘probably the best French interior in England’.
It was certainly a room fit for royalty and in 1870 became the home of the court of Napoleon lll in exile. He died at the house in 1873.
With stories of a double murder, Royal visitors and spies there is plenty to entertain you.
Read on to learn more about the people who left their mark on Camden Place..
William Camden - who gave us his name
Camdens (around the world) - Website
Robert Weston - who gave us a driveway (and indirectly our Golf Club)
Sir Charles Pratt / Lord Camden - a folly, a ceiling and our global links
Thomas and Anne Bonar - a new wing and blood stained floors!
Nathaniel Strode - a home fit for royalty
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