Domestic chapel at Horne's Place

In the reign of King John (during 1166 – 1216), 'Ralph de Horne' (of Kenardington), was one of the recognitores magnæ assisæ, or justices of the great assize. Then in 1276, King Edward granted land containing the manor to Matthew Horne (Ralph's son). A chapel was soon built afterwards. The domestic chapel allowed the Horne family to attend services conveniently at home rather than obliging them to travel to the parish church, and receipt of the licence for worship was an indicator of the family's high status. The chapel was licensed for divine service in 1366 by Archbishop Simon Langham. In 1406, Michael Horne (son of Matthew Horne) became a Sheriff of Kent. He is also thought to be buried…

The 8 metres by 4 metres (26 feet by 13 feet) chapel is built of Kentish ragstone and rubble with a tiled roof. Roof was re-placed in 1520. It also has a stone-flagged floor. It has a double cinquefoil window and blocked 4 centre arch on the west side. The south side has an ogee opening (moulded arch) with a window of 3 cinquefoil-headed lights. The east side has a traceried window with a triple cinquefoil symbol. The northside has a similar window. The chapel was originally linked to the hall wing of the manor house by a doorway, which is now blocked, along its north wall. The chapel also has barrel-vaulted undercroft and a roof from 1520 of 4 heavily moulded arch braces rising from stone…