Family history (Barham, formerly de Bereham
is my family's name) visit planned end June 2025. Want to see 12 iron slab gravestones located inside this church, that were made by John Barham many years ago.
Also want to learn my options for going inside Chillington Manor house to see my family coat of arms in stone over fireplace and in stained glass front window of the Great Hall.
Posted by
UK
769 posts
There’s a Chillington House which is now Maidstone Museum, and a Chillington Hall in Staffordshire, I think. Are you referring to one of those or another house that’s maybe in East Sussex?
Posted by
OP
Smithfield Virginia USA
3 posts
Yes, the one at Maidstone Museum, I believe is it. Do you know if you can visit inside the home there?
Posted by
UK
769 posts
Do you know if you can visit inside the home there?
I was just trying to establish which of the several Chillington Houses you meant.
They have contact details on their website. I don’t know the museum myself, but given that it’s actually inside the house, one assumes the Great Hall would be accessible. There’s an email address under “contact us” here: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2320 posts
According to their website, St Peter and St Paul Wadhurst is open everyday. It might be worth contacting the church a couple of weeks before you go to check there isn't a funeral that day. If you explain why you want to see the iron slab graves, there may be someone willing to meet you ar the church and talk about them. I've found that churches are normally delighted when someone comes along with a real interest in them.
It is also worth contacting Maidstone museums and explain that you want to see the family coat of arms. If it is not usually viewable by the public, they may be prepared to make special arrangements for you.
Posted by
OP
Smithfield Virginia USA
3 posts
Thank you both for your prompt relies to my questions and for the links and email addresses!
lwoodard725