Harbledown - some memorials
Near to the Church entrance is a grand memorial to Thomas Gilbert Peckham and his wife Virginia. He is said to be a self-made man (from the grocery trade?) who became Deputy Lieutenant for Kent and who was the First Chairman of Harbledown Parish.
The Peckhams lived in "Hall Place" which was set in extensive grounds. There was a fine view over Harbledown and towards the city of Canterbury. The house was noted for its long verandah and large conservatory. The building still exists, a shadow of its former self; the verandah and conservatory are gone; the grounds are bisected by the Harbledown bye-pass built in the 1970s.
The Peckhams lived in "Hall Place" which was set in extensive grounds. There was a fine view over Harbledown and towards the city of Canterbury. The house was noted for its long verandah and large conservatory. The building still exists, a shadow of its former self; the verandah and conservatory are gone; the grounds are bisected by the Harbledown bye-pass built in the 1970s.
Another famous nineteenth century resident of
Harbledown was the artist Thomas Sidney Cooper (1803-1902). He lived at "Vernon Holme" . His depiction of cattle and sheep, usually in small groups on a rise set in a pastoral landscape, were very popular with the Victorians.
Harbledown was the artist Thomas Sidney Cooper (1803-1902). He lived at "Vernon Holme" . His depiction of cattle and sheep, usually in small groups on a rise set in a pastoral landscape, were very popular with the Victorians.