The house now known as Rogues Hill House was in fact built in three main stages. By the beginning of the 19th century, the land was occupied by a Quarryman’s cottage. In 1890, Quarry House was built by Constable and Devey, and in 1906 an extension was added by Constable and Major Ball.
Major Francis J. Ball is remembered in Penshurst Church. Under the East window, behind the altar, is a wooden reredos in his memory.
In the 1890’s it was used as a boys preparatory school, run by Canon Maberley Smith. Pupils included the Sidney Family. The school later transferred to Rusthall.
In 1893, Constable built the Lodge opposite, which housed the coach, a stallion and three mares plus coachman.
1906 Mrs O Grady, aunt of Major Ball lived in house
1908 Major and Mrs Ball married
1903 -1940 Dr Louis Edmond Wood used the Lodge as a surgery
1910 Major Ball died
1913 Mary Ball married Dr Wood (at this time the head gardener was George Sellings)
1935 Dr Charrington Wood used Lodge as his surgery
43-48 House empty
1949 Lodge occupied by Mrs Branch
1949-1966 Gid and Dick Hoblyn , stockbroker, lived in the house before moving to Malta
1966 Ken. Mary and Ann Rossi bought house and Lodge from Lord De Lisle, and built annexe, winter garden and garden railway and aviary.
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Remember going to Rogues Hill House at the weekends to visit my grandparents who considered purchasing the house until my grandfather’s ailments caused them to move to a drier climate. The gardens were beautifully maintained and it is such a shame that the wall has been dramatically lowered in 2017 to accommodate an oak garage & driveway.
Presumably a new owner is now in residence.
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