Bateman's TN19 7DS
Free for NT Members
Open: Seasonal - See website
About:
Bateman’s was constructed and altered over several generations. Although the date ‘1634’ is carved above the main entrance, some architectural features suggest earlier phases of building. The house is characteristic of a substantial Sussex yeoman’s dwelling, built from local sandstone with oak panelling and beams.
The surrounding area was once part of the Wealden iron industry, which flourished in Sussex from the Roman period through to the early 18th century. Kipling believed that Bateman’s had originally been built by an ironmaster, inspired in part by the presence of the nearby watermill and remnants of ironworking in the local landscape. However, the history of ownership before the Kiplings is incomplete and, in places, uncertain. Parish records and estate documents indicate that the house was occupied over the centuries by a succession of farmers, parsons and tradesmen.
Rudyard Kipling, and his American wife, Caroline (1862-1939), first saw Bateman’s in 1900 and purchased the house, its outbuildings and 33 acres of land two years later. At the time, Kipling was earning around £5,000 a year- an exceptionally high income- and had recently declined both a knighthood and the post of Poet Laureate. The house, with its historic character and rural setting, reflected his growing interest in England’s past.
The Kiplings arrived by steam-powered car, a novelty at the time. While the house retained its period features, it required substantial modernisation. With assistance from Rudyard Kipling’s cousin, the architect Ambrose Poynter, the Kiplings modernised the house by installing electricity- powered by a dynamo in the mill- upgrading the plumbing and reconfiguring the kitchen and servant quarters.
Dog Friendly:
Dogs on short leads welcome in the garden and estate. Assistance dogs only in the house, mill, and shop
Entry Charge:
See website
Parking:
Free parking for National Trust members, non-members pay a parking charge
Six 22kW electric vehicle charging points are available in the main car park.
Facilities:
Tea room
Bookshop
Shop
Toilet
Notes:
Steep slope into the garden from visitor reception – alternative drop-off point by arrangement with visitor reception.
Seating available in the house if required. Benches throughout the garden.
At busier times, to enter the house there may occasionally be a queue in the garden.
Staircases to and from the first floor of the house. Partly accessible grounds with some steps, grass ramps and brick paths.
Stepped access to Park Mill
Contact:
Bateman's Lane, Burwash, East Sussex, TN19 7DS
Tel: 01435882302
Email:
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk