Guess the Place

[CAT]

Would that be the Buckmore Park Kart racing track beside the M2?

[shoot999]

Thank you for that CAT. Busy hunting old ruins until you gave the better condition clue. And remembered a similar configuration as a backdrop to 'The Alan Clark Diaries' series.


On to the next.

[CAT]

I was surprised you didn't get it JohnWalker, its the sort of place where lots of local people went to once. I vaguely remember the peacocks, but more so the two large dogs that snapped, snarled and foamed at passers by when the grounds were closed. Happy days.

[John Walker]

I should have recognised those towers.  My family used to go there on Sundays in the 60s/70s.  They served tea and cake beside this gateway.  We could walk around the grounds and along the ramparts.  I seem to remember there was a peep hole down into one of the towers where a 'prisoner' was chained up.  There were also peacocks roaming the grounds that would grab your cake if given the chance.

[CAT]

You have it shoot999. It is indeed the main eastern gateway to Saltwood Castle. Regarded as the location of the plotting by the four knights whom later killed Thomas Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral on 28th December 1170.


Formerly the home of both Bill Deedes MP and later Kenneth Clark MP and after, his son Alan Clark MP who was buried in the grounds. Formerly the grounds, and parts of the castle, including the great hall, were open to the public, but sadly no longer. It is still possible to view the outer walls from public footpaths that run alongside though.


Over to you shoot999

[shoot999]

Saltwood Castle Hythe?

[CAT]

It does still very much exist John Walker, and in a much better condition than my pic.


Its clearly a portion to a fortification, sadly not open to the public nowadays, but was over thirty years ago.


A near coastal location where it is assumed the local trees were washed by the sea (doubtful folklore).

[John Walker]

Does it still exist?  I'm surprised I don't know this one...

[CAT]

Sadly, it’s neither Allington or Tunbridge, Pete. Or Cooling John Walker. It is not far from the coast, but at the opposite end of the County.

[John Walker]

Is this the tower that part collapsed in recent years.  Possibly a wedding venue now ?

[pete.mason]

Thought that was too obvious but worth a go    Let's try Allington if not then Tonbridge

[CAT]

I can see your thinking Pete, but you have fallen into my trap. It's not the Westgate Tower, Canterbury

[pete.mason]

Westgate Towers c'bury?

[CAT]

Many thanks John Walker


I too have been to Perry Woods, in all weathers. When my children were younger they enjoyed shuffling through the fallen leaves in autumn. Before the trees grew taller there were fantastic views into the Stour Valley from the top of timber structure known as 'The Mount' (Grid ref: TR 04385 54791).


Here is my next, but where? Certainly you can't lounge around in front of it any more.

[John Walker]

Thanks CAT


It is indeed the Rose and Crown in Perry Woods.  We have had many family picnics in Perry Woods over the years.  I video'd most of them and I'm just in the process of transferring them from tape to DVD.  The earliest are nearly 40 years old and it's quite something to see my children when they were tots and my late parents etc.


Over to you ...