Unlocking the Secrets of Camden Place

About this event

Hear about Napoleon III, a double murder, the overnight visit of Benjamin Franklin, visits by Queen Victoria and much more.. Camden Place is a prestigious Grade ll* listed building tucked away in a quiet corner of Chislehurst Commons in South East London. Camden Place is described by Dr Lee Prosser, Curator of the Royal Palaces, as a building of great architectural and historic importance. The house is Grade II* listed, tucked away in a quiet corner of Chislehurst and for over 130 years it has been the home of Chislehurst Golf Club. In the grounds there is a Grade II folly designed by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart. Visitors hear about a double murder, the overnight visit of Benjamin Franklin, visits by Queen Victoria and Tsar Alexander ll and two ‘almost royal’ funerals, as both Napoleon III and then his only legitimate son, the Prince Imperial were laid to rest in Chislehurst’s small Catholic church. Architectural features include a Jacobean panelled hall with 20 grotesques, fireplaces, panelling, murals and original features that are bound to leave an impression. The jewel in Camden Place’s crown is its dining room. The panelling is architectural salvage from the Château de Bercy, just outside Paris. Its demolition for the railway was resisted because even then it was seen to represent the pinnacle of French craftsmanship, carved by men of the Royal Works in the 1720s – men who went on to create Versailles. Very few properties of this age survived the revolution and so it is unique because of both its quality and scarcity. It is being described as ‘probably the best French interior in England’. The Camden story dates from 1609 when William Camden (antiquarian) established his home on just two acres, surrounded on three sides by the Common. For the last 130+ years it has been the home of Chislehurst Golf Club, so many of its unique architectural features have remained unchanged since the Empress Eugenie left the property in 1881. Our ‘ Unlock the Secrets’ tour is packed with fascinating insights and information. The first part is a talk on the history of the house from William Camden in 1609 to the formation of Chislehurst Golf Club in 1894. The second part is a whistle stop tour of the Imperial family’s story, how they came to Chislehurst and the events once they were here. Due residents living upstairs, the tour is limited to the ground floor, packed with unique architectural features, art and artefacts. After your tour you can visit the Imperial Monument (opposite Camden Place about 90 yards away) or take a 10-minute walk to the Catholic Church of St Mary’s where both Napoleon and his son the Prince Imperial were first buried, before their remains were removed to Farnborough Abbey in 1888. More information about the history and architecture of Camden Place can be seen at www.camden-place.co.uk . Tickets £30 including tea/coffee and cake (served on arrival for morning tours and at the end of afternoon tours), a talk on the history of Camden Place and its residents and a tour of Camden Place ground foor. Optional talk after the tour from 2pm-3.30pm celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Empress Eugénie. Born during an earthquake, nothing about this woman's life was ordinary. She was the last Empress of the French and was the catalyst for France becoming the centre of Western culture and fashion. Her patronage launched brands like Worth and Louis Vuitton, but she also influenced social and political policy and the modernisation of France. She was a strong woman, coping with assassination attempts, fleeing the Paris mob and a pilgrimage to South Africa. She lost both husband and son whilst living in Chislehurst but went on to survive until she was 94 years old, still active and involved. Join us to celebrate her life with a panel of speakers examining different aspects of her life and achievements. Lunch and refreshments can be purchased after your tour (but please note we are card-only, and cash cannot be accepted) Cance

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