The morning had arrived and I was up early for the trip down.. This was going to be a solo as the trusty crew were all busy with work commitments.
The manor had been sitting on my hit list and today was it’s lucky day…

The History first….

Lillesden Estate Manor was built in 1855 for the banker Edward Loyd who co-founded the Loyd Entwisle & Co bank.

After the Great War the house and it’s estate was sold and became Bedgebury Public Girls School. The school sadly closed in 1999 due to a number of issues, mainly falling pupil numbers, low demand for all-girls schools and a merger that ‘went wrong’. The TV fashion guru Trinny Woodall was one of the more famous alumni, and the school did boast high standards at £4,300 per term. The closure seems to have shocked parents and pupils alike, as grades were at an all time high and bankruptcy was not an issue.

The school was a grade II listed French-style chateau, set in 200 acres of Kentish gardens and forests

Camera bag ready with me D90 fully charged and the D40 sitting in wait as the back-up should the need arise… It was not needed…

Travelling down the sun made a great change from the cold dull weather we had been having and this only lifted my spirits to make this a great day…
Arriving mid morning with some great info from a trusted friend I parked up, checked I had everything and made the short walk to the site… I had expected it to be on the left as I walked down, but passing a derelict manor it became apparent this was the place… A quick call confirmed it and I was there…

Access had been easy and walking round the manor the entry point was soon apparent… Quick check around and I was in…
I was not going to be disappointed and this was going to be a bit special…

Using the natural light through the windows made photographing the manor a joy.. So much light to work with… Having checked the forecast I knew I had time on my hands before sunset….Back up was my Lenser P7 to fill the dark spaces that light couldn’t reach.. Quick explore and then onto the photographing…

1..A stripped out shower block was my first find..

2.. Moving through the ground floor

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6.. The lovely conservatory

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One of the most striking parts of the manor is the staircases and huge mirrors that leads to the upper floors…
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Moving through the house some of the great features and outbuildings..
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