An 1838 print of the House from "The Epitome of the History of Kent"
Earlier Houses: There were four earlier houses on, or near, the site of the current 19th century house. The earliest were medieval buildings that belonged to Dartford Priory. In January of 1760, after the death of his wife, the 2nd Earl of Bessborough sold the Ingress Abbey Estate. Lord Bessborough was the last owner of the fourth house.
Built / Designed For: Alderman James Harmer
House & Family History: The current 19th century house supposedly incorporates stone from the Old London Bridge, which was demolished in 1831. In 1991 Ingress Abbey was purchased and redeveloped for housing. The 19th century poet Eliza Cook was a regular visitor at Ingress and wrote much of her poetry, including her most famous work, "The Old Armchair," here. Cook, who never married, was a supporter of women’s rights and the lover of the American actress Charlotte Cushman, for whom she wrote the poem "To Charlotte Cushman."
Collections: John Calcraft's collection included Roman altars, which were displayed in Chambers's temple. The 2nd Earl of Bessborough, a noted collector of antique marbles, intaglios, and cameos, maintained an important art collection at Ingress in the 18th century.
Garden & Outbuildings: William Chambers's temple folly was moved to Cobham Hall, Kent, in 1820.
Architect: William Oldham Chambers
Designed: Temple (removed to Cobham Hall, Kent in 1820)
Title: Pleasures of Antiquity: British Collectors of Greece and Rome, The
Author: Scott, Jonathan
Year Published: 2003
Reference: pg. 139
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300098545
Book Type: Hardback
Title: No Voice From the Hall: Early Memories of a Country House Snooper
Author: Harris, John
Year Published: 1998
Publisher: London: John Murray
ISBN: 0719555671
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Georgian: The Magazine of the Georgian Group, The
Author: NA
Year Published: NA
Reference: January 1999, pg. 13
Publisher: London: The Georgian Group
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Magazine
House Listed: Grade II
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough, until 1762. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Alderman James Harmer, 19th century.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No