The Hardy family in Yorkshire had been partners in the Low Moor Ironworks since its creation in 1791. Charles Hardy (1813 – 1867) was more involved with the ironworks than either of his brothers, Sir John Hardy and Lord Cranbrook (Gathorne Hardy). He oversaw the gigantic establishment for many years, living locally at Odsall House. In 1861, however, Charles purchased the large estate of Chilham Castle in Kent. He had connections with that area as his brother Gathorne owned an estate atHemsted, Kent.
Although Charles died in 1867, Chilham Castle remained in the ownership of the Hardy family until 1918.
Chapter 1 – The Hardys at Chilham [read more here]
Chapter 2 – From Yorkshire to Kent [read more here]
Chapter 3 – Will and transcript Charles Hardy 1867 [read more here]
Chapter 4a – Census returns introduction [read more here]
Chapter 4b – Census returns, Odsall House 1861, Chilham Castle 1871, 1881 & 1891 [read more here]
Chapter 5 – Hardy monument in St Mary’s church, Chilham [read more here]
Chapter 6 – Hardys visit Chilham Castle 2011 [read more here]
Chapter 7 – Chilham Chase 2013. Linking the past to the present [read more here]
Chapter 8 – Hardy headstones in St Marys churchyard [read more here]
