title: Eastwell, Kent
text: # Eastwell, Kent
  
  Eastwell is a hamlet and civil parish about 3 miles (5 km) north of Ashford, Kent, England. The 2011 Census recorded the parish's population as 103.
  
  The parish shares civil and church parish councils with neighbouring Boughton Aluph.
  
  ## Parish church
  
  Much of the medieval parish church of St Mary collapsed in 1951, and most of the ruins were demolished in 1956. Only the 15th-century west tower, the west wall of the south aisle and a 19th-century mortuary chapel remain standing. Since 1980 the remains have been a Scheduled Ancient Monument and cared for by the Friends of Friendless Churches charity.
  
  ## Eastwell Park
  
  Eastwell Park is a country estate almost one square mile in area surrounding Eastwell Manor, a Jacobethan country house completed in 1848. Eastwell Lake was created at the same time. The hotel offers a golf course, indoor swimming pool and horseriding.
  
  Contemporary with the house is Eastwell Towers, a Jacobethan gatehouse in the adjacent parish of Boughton Aluph. The drive from the gatehouse to the manor house is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long.
  
  ## Lake House
  
  Lake House is a late 13th-century house in Eastwell Park south of the manor house. It has a 17th-century roof and 19th-century windows, but retains four original windows, now blocked. It is a Grade II* listed building.
  
  ## Notable inhabitants
  
  By age of birth:
  
  * Richard Plantagenet (Richard of Eastwell) (1469–1550), purported son of King Richard III
  * Sir Thomas Moyle (1488–1560), Speaker of the House of Commons
  * Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661–1720), poet and courtier
  * George Finch-Hatton, 11th Earl of Winchilsea (1815–1887), politician, and his family
  * Prince Alfred of Great Britain, Duke of Edinburgh (1866–1900), and his family
  