A LOCAL HISTORIAN LOOKS AT HARTLIP - No. 5

Continuing Hasted's (1783) description of Hartlip, he, refers to an ancient mansion cailed Croft, also called Yaugher, formerly in the possession of William de Elmsted. After them in Edward I reign it came into possesion of Roger de Northwood. A later owner in Philip and Mary's reign was Gilbert Fremlin, a familiar Kent surname, even today. The old manor house which stood beside Yaugher farm was moved by William Bland in 1841 to the top of Queen Down Warren.

Hasted refers to the manor of Grayney or Graveney which he states took its name from a family of that name of Edward I's time. When Hasted wrote his book Mrs. Barron owned the place.

The family of Osborne have had a long connection with Hartlip. They were resident in Edward IV's reign at Hartlip Place, Crux Hill. William Osborne who died in 1464 is the first recorded member of this family and he and his son John are both buried in the North (or Osborne) chapel of the parish church.

A later descendant of the family, another John, built a residence for himself half a mile south west of the church, called Dane House. It is reported he moved to Maidstone on account of a most daring robbery committed on him while he was living there. The house was left, empty and eventually was pulled down. Later descendants succeeded to the estate and were buried in the family vault in the church. One descendant was Elizabeth Osborne who married a Mr. Tylden. One daughter of this marriage, married a Rev. Thomas Bland and an only son of this marriage was Willam Bland who eventually inherited the estate in 1798. It will be known that this William Bland who lived in Hartlip left his mark on the parish.

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS of 50 years ago

Whit Sunday, 1916. Admitted to choir Charles Harris, Pat Smith, Fred Scott, Walter Clinch. 60 eggs and heaps of flowers by children for hospital; took these up 12th". (Entry by Vicar).

YOUR PRAYERS are specially asked for: -

1. Clergy and ordination candidates at Embertide, 1st to 5th June.

2. Billy Graham, as he directs the Greater London Crusade from 1st June to 1st July.