Brabourne
Primary School
Active Local Community
Brabourne is an area north of the A20 to the east of Ashford. It is made up of the historic Brabourne hamlet, now known as East Brabourne that nestles at the foot of the steep escarpment of the North Downs, on the Pilgrims Way, and the newer village of Brabourne Lees that occupies the more open south facing slopes to the south. Almost wherever you are there are wonderful views out over agricultural fields. This is an area of large scale dairy farming, as well as having great history.
Why Live in Brabourne?
From the 1400s this was the seat of the Scott family and at their peak had one of the largest mansions in Kent. Today there is a small Scotts Hall adjacent to the A20 in Smeeth, and larger plantation – a residue of the former great house and gardens. The history of the Scott family are visibly in the elegant memorials in St Mary Brabourne church at East Brabourne. The church dates from the 1200s and has very early Norman window glass.
This is a well supplied community: there is a pub at Brabourne lees and at East Brabourne. Close by the village green and recreation area of Brabourne Lees there is a Methodist chapel, school and allotments. The community has a Womens Institute, Scouts and Guides groups and a hardworking Parish Council, which works closely with the immediately adjacent area of Smeeth.
The villages are close to the A20 and 9 miles to the centre of Ashford with its train station, shops and secondary schools