Sleepy Hollow
History
It was once the home to the great sportsman John Willes. His memorial in St. Mary's churchyard states that he was the first to introduce round-arm bowling into cricket, apparently inspired by his sister who could not bowl underarm in skirts! On being no-balled at Lord's in 1822, he strode out in the middle of the match, vowing never to play again. He was a colourful character, keeping his own pack of dwarf hounds, and he was the best shot and boxer in Kent. One story relates how he barricaded himself in his house against his creditors and was fed by friends, getting his food by means of a basket lowered down at night.
Explore
Thanks to a couple of exploring friends we may our way over to Kent and met up with them to do some explores.
Sleep Hollow being one of them, we made our way in, having seen pictures and videos on this location I was excited to see what was left inside, food still in cans, fruit, pianos, jewellery and shoes etc, every cupboard and draw had been rummaged through, I can only imagine what this house would have looked like in its prime, absolutely beautiful interior, we had a very relaxed explore here having heard the neighbours aren’t to happy with explorers venturing inside, we made our way in and got out within an hour with ease!
Although we heard shouting from outside, only to come across 3 other explorers who were excited to have a look around the house, after and hour or so exploring and taking pictures, we made our way onto our next explore in Kent!
History
It was once the home to the great sportsman John Willes. His memorial in St. Mary's churchyard states that he was the first to introduce round-arm bowling into cricket, apparently inspired by his sister who could not bowl underarm in skirts! On being no-balled at Lord's in 1822, he strode out in the middle of the match, vowing never to play again. He was a colourful character, keeping his own pack of dwarf hounds, and he was the best shot and boxer in Kent. One story relates how he barricaded himself in his house against his creditors and was fed by friends, getting his food by means of a basket lowered down at night.
Explore
Thanks to a couple of exploring friends we may our way over to Kent and met up with them to do some explores.
Sleep Hollow being one of them, we made our way in, having seen pictures and videos on this location I was excited to see what was left inside, food still in cans, fruit, pianos, jewellery and shoes etc, every cupboard and draw had been rummaged through, I can only imagine what this house would have looked like in its prime, absolutely beautiful interior, we had a very relaxed explore here having heard the neighbours aren’t to happy with explorers venturing inside, we made our way in and got out within an hour with ease!
Although we heard shouting from outside, only to come across 3 other explorers who were excited to have a look around the house, after and hour or so exploring and taking pictures, we made our way onto our next explore in Kent!
