Wednesday 18th June 2025 (postponed from 7th August 2024)

A visit is planned to this lovely 18thC House, with its magnificent views over the rolling North Downs of Kent, designed by Samuel Wyatt in his understated neo-classical style. The House was built in 1769 by Edward Wilks, store-keeper at the nearby Faversham Powder Mill. One of its distinguishing features, created by the 5th Lord Harris, is its collection of clocks, reputed to be the finest in England.

The present layout of the grounds of Belmont House date from the 1790s, although the planting has been altered over time. The gardens consist of a walled garden, pinetum, wooded areas, formal lawns and a large kitchen garden.

Historically, the House is important for its well-preserved records of the family, many of whom played leading roles in the development of the British Empire. In the 18th and 19th centuries the first, third and fourth Lords Harris served as soldiers and colonial governors before returning home with mementos of their time in India. Our guided tour of the House will include these Indian artefacts.

George Harris (1746 – 1829) joined the British Army at the age of 14. His first active service was in the American War of Independence, when he was severely wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill. He later served in the West Indies before going to Bombay c.1786, where he fought in several battles, most notably the attack on Seringapatam under Lord Cornwallis during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. In 1797 he became Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army as well as, for a brief period, also overseeing the civil government. His daughter Anne married Stephen Rumbold Lushington, a Writer in the Madras Civil Service, who had been made Harris’s Private Secretary.

In 1798 Harris commanded the army against Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam, defeating him in May 1799. His 16-year old son William George Harris (later the second Lord Harris), also serving in India, was present at the storming of Seringapatam.

On his return to England in 1800 he bought Belmont House; in 1815 he was made peer under the title Baron Harris of Seringapatam and Mysore and of Belmont in the County of Kent, and five years later was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB).

Harris’s son-in-law Stephen Lushington, who served as Governor of Madras from 1827-32, is depicted, together with (Michael) Thomas (1st Lord’s second son, and ancestor of Michael Harris, current Lord Harris) in the large family oil painting by Davis in the Dining Room.

The third Lord Harris, who was the Governor of Madras from 1854-9, kept the area peaceful during the Indian Mutiny, and was able to send troops to the aid of Lord Canning, the Governor-General.

Although he served as Governor of the Presidency of Bombay, Lord Harris’ great-grandson George Robert Canning Harris, 4th Baron Harris (1851 – 1932), was far better known for his exploits in the cricketing world where he made his debut in 1870. He was associated with Kent cricket for the rest of his life, holding the Kent captaincy until 1889. His career was one of the longest on record, making his last appearance at Lord’s aged 78 in 1929, representing MCC vs Indian Gymkhana.

Appointed Governor General of the Presidency of Bombay from 1890 to 1895, Lord Harris’ governorship provoked a great deal of criticism, in particular for ignoring the needs of the native population in favour of pursuing his cricketing interests. Although cricket was well established in India before Harris arrived there, he did much to promote the game locally. A Memorial to him lies in the Harris Garden at Lord’s and, whatever his legacy in India, he was appointed Knight Grand Commander of the Star of India in 1895. That India is now cricket’s superpower must owe something to him.

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Our tour of the house will begin at 11:00 am, and be conducted by knowledgeable guides who will give a special emphasis to the Family’s Indian connections and possessions.

The cost of the Guided Tour will be £20 per person, which includes coffee and biscuits in the Orangery before it starts. In addition, lunch will be served for those who want it, in the Orangery after the tour has ended. Made largely from freshly cooked seasonal produce from the kitchen garden, this will consist of a Seasonal tart/quiche (£10 per head), or salmon (£12.50 per head), both served with salad and new potatoes.

The lovely garden can be explored after lunch by those who wish to.

TRAVEL

By car: There is ample parking at the House. Directions will be provided to those who ask for them.
By train: There are services to Faversham from St Pancras International, Victoria and Cannon Street. There are taxis at Faversham station which can take you to Belmont House. It is advised to book a return journey with the driver when you arrive at Belmont.

If you wish to attend, please, by no later than 30th May 2025, book and pay £20 per person (if not taking lunch), or £30 (£32.50 if having salmon) per person to include lunch via:

•The Events section of the website or
•E-mail to Paul Dean at ‘chairman@bacsa.org.uk’ (or telephone on 01727 845229) giving your preferences, and either:
– Make a bank transfer (to BACSA, Sort code 30-96-88, Acc No 00119149 using the reference ‘Belmont’) or
– Send him a cheque made payable to BACSA to 97 Verulam Road, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4DL.

Paul Dean, Acting BACSA Events Officer