The History of Chiddingstone            

Chiddingstone is said to be one of the ‘prettiest one street villages in Kent’, resembling life in Tudor times with the line of half-timbered houses, all of which is now protected by the National Trust. The church dates back to pre Tudor days, and had to be rebuilt in 1624 when it was largely destroyed when struck by lightning.
It is thought that Chiddingstone gained its name from the carved sandstone known as Chiding Stone, which lye behind the village. It is though that villagers were taken there to be scolded for their sins.
Just as with Penshurst, Chiddingstone is known also for a family and a great mansion. Chiddingstone the family home of he Streatfield family. Originally Chiddingstone castle was a Tudor house called High Street House, but was converted into a castle in the late 18^th century when Henry Streatfield came into some money. Chiddingstone castle remained in the Streatfield family until 1936 when the last member died, after that the castle became a school and became occupied by troops during the war.

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