Chilham Castle

We went to a fund raiser for the East and West Kent hunts held at Chilham Castle. On this site is the tower of a Norman Castle thought to have been built for King Henry II in 1174 now owned by a dutchman. The most prominent castle is the Jacobean Chilham Castle that was designed by Indigo Jones and built for Sir Dudley Digges in 1616. Over the years this castle has had many owners but for the last 10 years or so it has been owned by UKIP (United Kingdom Independent Party) activist Stuart Wheeler. He is a professional poker player but used to own a Hedge Fund. His wife Tessa whom we met is a very keen horse rider. She has a livery stable and cares for 12 horses for other people. She also regularly goes hunting. The very extensive park which includes a Ha Ha in front of the main house is farmed and hosts highly rated "one day events" which include cross-country riding, dressage and show jumping.