Our next destination was a Jacobean mansion called Charlton House, pleasantly situated in Charlton Park. (Photo by Tigger.) It was built in 1609-12 as a residence. In its long history it has served as a military hospital and a museum and is now a community centre. The rooms no longer contain period furnishings so the interest is in the fixed decor.

The column-decorated entrance.

We started with a cup of tea in the house’s cafe which has this strapwork-decorated ceiling.

Here are some photos taken as we went through the house.

Here is a view of the park which I assume was once the house’s grounds.

This gateway now stands in an isolated position in the grounds.

As a nice touch, this public library occupies a part of the house.

This quaint little building away from the house near the road is the stables.

We crossed the road and caught a bus to Blackheath for the next part of our tour.