The second part of Freddie Coopers memories of Cozenton Farm continued from May 1999. THE RAINHAM WE LOST (Part 1-May 1999)
Mr Walter Prentis lived in Cozcnton Farm before my uncle bought it in 1922; agriculture has always widely fluctuated in profitability and it was in a very poor state around the turn of the century but fairly prospered during both World Wars. It was on the decline by the time Mr Richardson bought it, just prior to the great depression and the General Strike of 1926. lt was a nice place to live in but l doubt if it was ever very profitable. lncidentally. I mentioned that Mr Prentis occupied Cozenton and those interested will find a book written by Mr C. Prentis in 1894 entitled ‘Birds of Rainham’ in the Gillingham reference library. At that time many sea birds prospered in this area in addition to all types of woodland, seed and fruit loving species. Surprisingly Mr Prentis records seeing a Sea Eagle on his land. These have a five foot wing span and are now only occasionally seen in the far north of Scotland. When l was young some of us had a fine collection of carefully preserved birds’ eggs in a large flat box on a bed of cotton wool. l realise that would be frowned upon today but we learned a great deal about our environment.
The Cozenton Farm which l knew had frontages on both Berengrave Lane and Bloors Lane for it covered most of the area now occupied by Cozenton Park, the swimming pool and the Nursery. The frontage stretched from Sayers bungalow. now number 34 Berengrave Lane, to the present Cozenton Close. The bungalows now on the northern side are approximately on the roadway of the old entrance to the farm. Hedges bordered the southern boundary which I had to search when very young for hens‘ nests (broody hens can be very spiteful), while the northern side between the farm and the Berengrave House estate was denoted by high elm trees adjacent to a ditch which seems to have been the ancient method of marking boundaries.
The top field at the rear fronted upon Bloors Lane from the present Ceramic firm (this was Kemp‘s old lime kiln) down to and including the two bungalows on that short section of old Bloors Lane which is now a cul de sac. There were two farm cottages in Berengrave Lane (now Numbers 4 and 6) and cart sheds on land opposite to the main entrance which was adjacent to the path to Longley Road which passed en route through Longley’s field of cows and their famous rose gardens. Longley's were founder members of the National Rose Society at the end of last century and earned the Royal Warrant.
The most outstanding building remembered by all older residents was the very large black tarred wooden thatched barn built upon brick foundations and a low wall. This was adjacent to the entrance and right alongside the road. This is thought to have been the Queen Court Barn for the very large estate or at least one of them. l understand that it was burned down after the war. This building had two wide doors at the roadside but the main entrance through which one could drive a horse and cart, was at the rear and was reached via the stack yard. A large pond was against the southern end of the barn fed from the lane by a hole in the stone wall. lt is worth remembering that Berengrave Lane, like Otterham Quay Lane, is believed to have originated as a drovers’ route when cattle were brought from the Weald to the Medway marshes each spring. Animals needed water and there was another pond further down the lane about opposite to the present entrance to the cricket ground.
The Rainham We Lost by Freddie Cooper (Part 3 - July 1999)
Freddie Cooper