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Address: Mote Rd, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT
Phone:01732810378
The Cawnes
The Cawnes
The Cawnes are the earliest known owners. Having moved here in about 1360, Thomas Cawne, also shown in the records as Couen, de Coven, Cawen, is the first known owner of Ightham Mote.
The hundred years war
The hundred years war
Thomas Cawne was ambitious and decided to seek his fortune in the military rather than follow in the family business. He became a prominent soldier during the political instability in France during the 1350s and by 1357 he was captain of the fortress of the Neuberg, just outside Rouen in Normandy. As only a small number of captains were recorded during the 100 Years War, the fact that Thomas Cawne is amongst them shows just how important he was to the war effort, and he was knighted for his services.
The Hautes
The Hautes
The Hautes were a family with influence. Owning several estates, including Ightham Mote, they were a prominent and influential Kent family.
Teenage possession
Teenage possession
Nicholas Haute became one of the wealthiest men in Kent aged just 16 years old, as heir to his grandfather’s estates. In 1389, he married Alice Cawne, who would eventually inherit Ightham Mote from her brother Robert. Throughout his life, he held important offices both in the county and in the King's service, and served as Sheriff of Kent, and as Member of Parliament for the county. Sir Nicholas Haute died c.1415-16 and his eldest son William inherited Ightham Mote.
A man who'd stop at nothing
A man who'd stop at nothing
William Haute Esq inherited Ightham Mote in 1416. In c.1419, William married Margaret, the daughter of Sir Hugh Berwick, bringing more land and income into the Haute family. Margaret died in c.1427, and in 1429, William remarried. His second wife, Joan Woodville, was from another powerful family, and in 1469 history would see her become aunt to the Queen of England. Sir William was a notable composer of polyphonic music, the first ‘Gentleman Composer’ ever to be officially recorded.
The rebel?
The rebel?
Richard Haute inherited Ightham Mote in 1462. As cousin to Elizabeth Woodville, who married King Edward IV in 1464, this close connection to the royal family made Richard an important figure in the county and at court. As his status rose, Richard embarked on the programme of building works, which would turn the 15th-century manor of Ightham Mote into a property of considerable distinction. A fashionable home with inner and outer courtyards, reception rooms and guest accommodation of very high quality.
Inherited too young?
Inherited too young?
Edward was just 11 years old when he inherited Ightham Mote in 1487. He was not very careful with his money and amassed large debts. In 1514, some of his property was confiscated, whilst he had to sell other properties in 1518. He mortgaged Ightham Mote, but was forced to sell later that year, soon finding himself in Ludgate debtor’s prison before fleeing to Ireland.
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