Kings Hill (EHER 26408)

House built in around 1300 or earlier with alterations and additions 16th century. Timber-framed and rough rendered, with roofs of red plain tiles. Site of the 'Whispering Court' originating in the reign of Henry III, 1216-1272, see EHER 19766.

May 1968. Grade II listed. A timber framed and rough rendered house, built in around 1300 or earlier, with later alterations and additions. It has red plain tiled roofs and is on a 'T-shaped' plan with additional ranges to the north. It is one storey and attics or two storeys. The Whispering Court Post stands in the garden approximately 4 metres south of the south wall of the house, the south face is dated 'KH 1867', the east face 1340 and the north face has a plaque relating restoration November 1935. The date of origin of the Whispering Court is unknown, but it is believed to have been held at Kings Hill, Rayleigh during the reign of Henry III, 1216-1272 (see EHER 19766). Said to have originated when a normally absentee Manorial Lord returned home and heard, at midnight unsuspecting tenants plotting to murder him. As penance for their treachery they were commanded to assemble at Kings Hill, annually on the Wednesday after Michaelmas at midnight to do homage for their lands in a whisper. Morant says the time is 'upon the first cock-crowing; without any light but such as the heavens will afford'. It is believed Robert Riche, second Earl of Warwick moved the Court to Kings Hill, Rochford, nearer his home Rochford Hall. The Deeds of the Manor of Kings Hill stipulate that the post must never be removed. In the 18th century a feast was held at The Kings Head before the tenants set off for the Whispering Court. <1> See photos <2>. NRHE summary description: House built in around 1300 or earlier with alterations and additions 16th century. Timber-framed and rough rendered, with roofs of red plain tiles. Site of the 'Whispering Court' originating in the reign of Henry III, 1216-1272. <3> See also <4>.