ABOUT US
History
Up until 1724 the site of Leybourne Grange had been part of the lands belonging to Leybourne castle and Manor.
In 1724 the site of Leybourne Grange was acquired by Sir Francis Whitworth, who built a Palladian house on the site of the present Manor house. Although the original house no longer survives some of the various features do, most significantly the eighteenth-century walled garden located at the centre of the site.
In 1766 James Hawley MD FRS purchased the 605 acres at Leybourne Grange. His son Henry was created Baronet in 1795. Henry was a successful racehorse owner and used his winnings to fund the expansion of the Manor house and gardens. Henry’s decedents continued to live at the site until 1920 when the site was once again spilt and sold. The site became home to a mental hospital where it served the community until its closure in 1996.
In the 2000’s the site was developed by Taylor wimpey to create 733 new homes. The site is now home to a vibrant community with a host of community facilities. There are three playparks, the historic walled garden and Arboretum , football pitches, trim trail, local shop and community coffee shop and bakery.
Our community
Run by Residents for Residents
Leybourne chase is owned by LGM CIC a Resident managed organisation with Community at its heart.
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Our task is to ensure our facilities are well maintained and that we offer engagement with our spaces and meaningful opportunities for community cohesion
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Investing in our shared future
Nature doesn't stay still and neither do we. Our mission is to ensure Leybourne Chase receives the investment needed to ensure it evolves to meet the needs of future generations.
Custodians of this place we call home
People have called Leybourne Chase home for over 300 years . We strive to manage the site in a way that preserves and enhances its natural assets for the next 300 and beyond.
Caring for our outdoor spaces
