York's Hill

Hill, Mountain in Kent Sevenoaks

England

York's Hill

Goathurst Common Well Prior to the sinking of the well in 1901, villagers used water from rainwater storage tanks. When these ran dry, villagers had to walk down a steep hill to the springs south of Stubbs Woods, to collect their water. Piped water was brought to the area during the 1920s. — Goathurst Common Well Credit: Nikki Mahadevan

York's Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Kent in southeastern England. Situated near the village of Westerham, it is part of the North Downs, a range of chalk hills and ridges that stretches across the county. The hill stands at an elevation of approximately 235 meters (771 feet) above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The summit of York's Hill is adorned with a distinctive monument known as the Titsey Temple, which was built in 1766. This neoclassical folly was designed by Sir William Chambers and features a circular temple with a domed roof, supported by eight Doric columns. The temple was originally used as a gazebo, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors to admire the panoramic vistas.

Furthermore, York's Hill is renowned among the cycling community for its challenging gradient. It serves as a notable ascent on the annual "Catford Hill Climb" race, attracting both amateur and professional cyclists from across the country. The hill's steep incline, reaching a maximum gradient of 25%, tests the endurance and skill of participants, making it a thrilling and demanding course.

In addition to its recreational activities, York's Hill also boasts a diverse ecosystem. The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare orchids, butterflies, and birds. The hill is often frequented by nature enthusiasts and hikers, who enjoy exploring the numerous walking trails that crisscross the landscape.

Overall, York's Hill in Kent offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and sporting challenges, making it a captivating destination for visitors and locals alike.

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York's Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.247097/0.14513889 or Grid Reference TQ4951. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Goathurst Common Well

Prior to the sinking of the well in 1901, villagers used water from rainwater storage tanks. When these ran dry, villagers had to walk down a steep hill to the springs south of Stubbs Woods, to collect their water. Piped water was brought to the area during the 1920s.

Nikki Mahadevan

St Mary's Church Ide Hill

The church was built in 1865 and has the distinction of being the highest church in Kent.

Nikki Mahadevan

Woodland footpath to viewing point at top of York's Hill

This mixed deciduous woodland was ravaged by the Great Storm of 1987.

Jean Barrow

Stubbs Wood - Hanging Bank

This view through Stubbs Wood, showing Bough Beech Reservoir in the distant valley, would not have been possible before the Great Storm of 1987. Many of the mature beech and other native trees were flattened overnight.

Jean Barrow

Old Wagon Lodge & Scollops Oast House

These buildings are situated at the bottom of York's Hill, near Ide Hill village. This is an extremely steep narrow road where every October cyclists gather for a gruelling uphill ride.

Jean Barrow

Footpath into Hawks Wood

This path leads westward from the little-used Back Lane into Hawks Wood, near Sevenoaks, Kent. It's late May and there are still plenty of bluebells about.

Dr Neil Clifton

Little Norman Street Farmhouse

I am indebted to Jean Barrow of Ide Hill for supplying the name of this attractive house on the north side of Penn Lane about half a mile west of Brook Street, near Sevenoaks, Kent

Dr Neil Clifton

Penn Farm, Penn Lane, near Sevenoaks, Kent

The substantial farm house shown here stands on the west side of Penn Lane, whereas most of the farm buildings are on the other side of the lane, behind the photographer.

Dr Neil Clifton

Farm buildings at Penn Farm - Ide Hill

These farm buildings are on the other side of a very narrow road opposite Penn Farmhouse. The name "Penn" derives from the Old English Pynd, meaning an enclosure.

Jean Barrow

Penn Farmhouse gate - Ide Hill

An interesting notice on a farmhouse gate.

Jean Barrow

Converted farm buildings - near Ide Hill Sevenoaks

Little Norman Street Farm buildings now converted into housing. Something that is happening a great deal in this part of Kent.

Jean Barrow

Cob Tree Orchard - Great Norman Street Farm

The cob orchard at Great Norman Street farm is a hundred years old and two nearby fields are known, according to a map of 1840, as Walnut Tree Field and Cherry Field, giving an indication of the crops grown at that time.

Jean Barrow

Little Norman Street Farmhouse Ide Hill, Kent

The farm buildings of this small farm have now been converted into housing. Little Norman Street is fortunate in having deeds which show that it has been an independent small-holding of under ten acres for at least three hundred years. Until 1900 it was described as "Brook, near Brook Place".

Jean Barrow

Farmland suffering from a summer of drought

This photograph was taken from Back Lane. Part of Hawks Wood is in the near distance whilst in the far distance can just be seen the shingled spire of Ide Hill Church.

Jean Barrow

Deeply ploughed field east of Chains Farm

Mud as far as the eye can see! Or rather solid clay soil dried out in the recent warm weather. This field and fields beyond extend into the next grid square to the south. Bough Beech Reservoir can just be seen in the distance.

Nikki Mahadevan