| Additional Information |
| The story so far... | |||
|
|
(Click on above 1976 photo to see larger version.) Wallett's Court's long history dates back to the Domesday Book where it is first recorded as the 'Manor of Westcliffe'. Since the time of the Battle of Hastings, the manor has been associated with key historical figures such as Bishop Odo of Bayeux; the brother of William the Conqueror. Then, local legend has it, that Queen Eleanor of Castille was in residence along with her son Edward who later became king. Around the time of the English Civil War the manor was restored and later became a country retreat for Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger. It's situation close to the sea brought another famous resident, Admiral Lord Aylmer one time Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. It was in the last century that Wallett's Court changed most significantly, when the greater part of the manor was left to ruin and the house that can be seen today was turned over to become a working farm. Then came the World Wars and it was during the Second World War that Wallett's Court housed an artilliary regiment which manned the cross-Channel guns which were located just half a mile from the manor. But for the grace of God, Wallett's Court would not be standing today. One summer's day in 1942 a shell from the enemy guns struck, landing in, what is now the corner of the restaurant, fortunately it didn't explode! After the War, farming continued and the manor house was somewhat neglected. Then in 1976 the Oakley family discovered Wallett's Court hidden in a tangle of roses and evergreens and after a quarter of a century of loving care there now stands Wallett's Court restored to it's former glory for all who pass through it's doors to enjoy and maybe reflect on it's wonderful past, to enjoy it's present incarnation as a hotel, and to look forward to coming back again in the future... |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |