Bateman's House. Rudyard Kipling's home from 1902 until he died in 1936.
It was due to watching a programme about Sussex and Kent, featuring Penelope Keith, that we found out about Bateman's House, set in the Dudwell Valley, and the nearby village of Burwash. Consequently we were inspired, and wanted to visit the area ourselves.
Bateman's was an old sandstone house, built in 1634, and made of local, traditional materials. It had been left mainly unchanged during the centuries afterwards. Kipling installed modern bathrooms and a kitchen, but left much of the interior as it was when he bought it. He then filled it with old furniture.
Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay in 1865, attended school in England, and became a successful writer at a very young age, earning a considerable amount of money. He married an American, and lived there for a few years, before returning to England. His two daughters were born in America, but sadly his eldest daughter died of pneumonia, aged only six years, during one of the visits back to America. He also had a son, born in England, who was killed in WWI. The deaths of two of his children affected Kipling greatly.
Kipling's daughter, Elsie, married Captain George Bainbridge, and they bought Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire, and lived there until they both died. We visited this house, with Richard and Dawn, in July.
Bateman's House represented to Kipling, his ideal of English life. It was also quite isolated, which gave him the peace and quietness, away from prying eyes. He continued purchasing farmland around the house, for many years after the initial purchase.
The gardens surrounding the house are very extensive, and on a beautiful sunny day, quite stunning.
Inside the house, it was as if the Kipling's had just walked out of the house, and would return any minute. A very spiritual place.
Rudyard Kipling's study, together with his private collection of books, and writing desk with all his writing materials at hand.
The view through the front gate. A very simple lawn adorned the front of the house.
We decided to take the one mile, Ironmaster's walk, which circled the house and some of the farmland.
The very still and tranquil millpond.
The path took us over an old bridge.
At last we reached the area where once there were was an iron industry. The industry began during Norman times, and continued for about four centuries afterwards. The area was ideal for this type of industry, as there was a plentiful supply of iron ore, plenty of water, and a good supply of timber to provide charcoal.
Once the production of iron finished the stone buildings were removed, and the woods grew back.
Apparently if one looks closely, which we did not unfortunately, there is tell-tale waste, or slag, from the smelting process, a few mining pits, and a faint evidence of a forge.
I think if we had spent more time in the area below, we would have found more evidence. Missed a chance here, I think.
We had wonderful views of the Dudwell Valley.
A photo of some peaceful sheep. I am pleased there were no cows though. I find them a little threatening.
The village of Burwash, which during Kipling's time, contained twenty shops and about seven pubs. It is definitely much quieter these days.
St Bartholomew's Church. Inside there is a memorial to John Kipling, the son.
John's name is also written on the memorial. The memorial has a lantern top, and candles are still lit, on significant days, to remember the men who were killed in WWI.
It was such an interesting visit, although it has taken me two weeks to write this blog!
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