DEERHEART
LOCATION
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Kentchurch
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Kentchurch is a small hamlet, situated on the banks of the River Monnow. A population of some 300 inhabitants. The local church, St. Mary's dating from around the fourteenth century. Its strategic location on the English / Welsh border. For centuries staunchly defended by the Welsh to keep the English Kings from robbing their lands. The Kentchurch Estate covers some 5000 acres.
Kentchurch Court
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Kentchurch Court is a Historic Grade 1 building dating from the fourteenth century. It has, over the years had extensive renovations, most notably John Nash 1795. Its earliest settlement recorded in the thirteenth century. The Scudamore family seat has been held here since 1042, over a thousand years. Scudamour originating from France, translates to 'Shield of Love'. The Court is a stunning visual treat. The splendid paintings and historical treasures are testament to a family, who have in times past, mingled with Royalty
Kentchurch Deer Park
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Kentchurch Deer Park was orginally owned by The Knights Templar. It is likely to have been created under Forest Law after 1066. This would have been grounds for Royalty only. The forest would have provided Deer, Boar, Wolf rabbit and Grouse shooting. Deer being the most highly prized. Poaching was punishable by death. For locals this law provided employment. It served to protect some species and habitats. This conservation work continues today. Deer and Pheasant shooting can still be enjoyed, here at Kentchurch. Careful preservation of traditional alongside ethical stock management. Woodlands and meadows left to mature sustainably.
Kentchurch Court Gardens
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The beautiful gardens are lovingly tended and play host to a fantastic array of colour and variety. The walled garden is home to Digitalis, Asters and Hellebore. The vegetable gardens yield all year round. Autumnal wanderings rewarded with crisp apples and sweet juice. Finally, nestled amongst the snowdrops, the woodland garden is home to a unique collection of Rhododendrons. Their flowering blooms lasting all Spring.
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Homemade scrumptious cake and tea are served at the Tearoom, reviving and reinvigorating you.
On your way back to the car, you can pick up some plants from the Kentchurch Court Nursery.
Ancient Yew and Oak Groves
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Situated within the Estate are many ancient Trees. Protected and left to mature. These glorious trees have withstood wars and watched empires fall. There is a selection of Ancient Sweet Chestnut, Oak and Yew. We have some of the largest Field Maples in the country.
These trees are periodically checked and measured to ensure thier longevity continues.
The Yew trees are difficult to age. It is believed that some could be at least five thousand years old. A rare phenmomena, known as The Golden Bough, occurs every three thousand years. This distinct foliage, seen on the Kentchurch Yew is one of only sixteen Yews in the UK. It is still to be ascertained as to why this occurs.
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One of the Ancient Oaks was rumoured to be the hiding place of Jack of Kent. A folklore character who made bets against the devil. Rumour has it that Jack persuaded the devil to help him build a bridge. In return Jack would give him a soul. When the bridge was built, Jack threw a bone over and a hungry dog followed. This myth is visibly recounted at the sign, at our local Bridge Inn.
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The Bridge Inn, believed to be over 400 years old, is situated on the banks of the river Monnow in the delightful Monnow Valley. We have a beer garden stretching for 100m up the banks of the river with fantastic views of the Black Mountains, ideal for enjoying a pint while watching the sun set over the distant hills.
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Currently undergoing exciting renovations The Bridge Inn is currently closed. We look forward to the Grand Opening and exciting new Menus and Local Ales.