A Chronological Sketch of the History of The Park

1925

Homesteads purchased much of the estate, other parts being bought subsequently.

Late 1920s through to late 1930s

Homesteads develop and sell most of the plots, keeping some to rent, these were later sold.

1930

Formation of Chelsfield Park Recreation and Sports Club. The recreation club ground was leased to club trustees.

1930 to 1939

The recreation ground was cleared, a cricket table and tennis courts laid out and pavilions and a refreshment hut erected.

1939-1945

The war caused a temporary cessation of the activities of the club and the ground was (according to a 1977 newsletter) ‘taken over by rabbits’. At the end of the war there was no money in the kitty and the club joined forces with Green Street Green Cricket Club. The rabbits were cleared, the buildings renovated, the grounds including the cricket and tennis facilities restored.

1950

A number of far sighted residents agreed to form The Chelsfield Park Residents Association Limited and to purchase the recreation field from Homesteads Limited for £100.00.

15 September 1951

The Residents Association was incorporated and purchased the recreation ground.

1961

Homesteads Limited purchased Brimstone Farm which was developed as Brimstone Close and “added” to the Chelsfield Park Estate.

23 February 1984

Homesteads Limited transferred to the Association various pieces of “highway waste” land and assigned to us the benefit of the covenants.

“Millennium Booklet” – 2001

This was one of the most expensive projects undertaken by the Council so it has been very heartening to receive an overwhelmingly favourable response. Copies have been sent to a number of former residents, many of whom have been delighted to receive the booklet and renew the acquaintance. Thanks again all those who contributed. There are still some copies of the booklet available. If you are interested, please Email General Enquiries.

“Chelsfield Chronicles” – 2003

by Geoffrey Copus

Based firmly on 50 years of research in primary sources -approximately 200 pages, with many illustrations.

The following topics will be included, among others:

• Wills, deeds and inventories from mediaeval times onwards
• Chelsfield hamlets – Pratts Bottom, Green Street Green, Well Hill, Maypole The Manors of Chelsfield, Hewitts, Goddington and Norsted
• Emigrants from Chelsfield
• Chelsfield people and family history
• St. Martin’s Church – much hitherto unpublished material
• The great Chelsfield inheritance Court case, 1726-1733
• Lilleys Farm – a well-documented history with a tragic end

If you would like to buy a copy, please send your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address to GD Copus, 17 Oakdale Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8DS.

It is also available online at amazon.co.uk. Click here to go to Chelsfield Chronicles: Annals of a Kentish Parish on Amazon.