Bateman’s

Born in India 150 years ago, Kipling is well known for his books and poetry. He was educated in England, but returned to India in 1882. Kipling loved the sights and sounds of India and they form the backdrop to many of his books. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907.

Bateman’s was home to the Kipling family after they bought the house in 1902. Apparently, he and his wife fell in love with the place at first sight, feeling it offered them much needed privacy as, now in his late 30s, Kipling was a famous author. Left to the National Trust by Kipling’s wife after his death, it contains a comprehensive collection of the family’s personal belongings. Visitors can still see the desk in his study where he wrote some of his most famous works, including Puck of Pook’s Hill and Rewards and Fairies, which includes the poem ‘If’.

It is a very atmospheric house, where it is easy to imagine that Kipling and his family have just popped out for a moment, giving it a very homely feel. Many of the artefacts reflect his association with India, but the building itself, built of mellow sandstone with mullioned windows, would sit perfectly in an Agatha Christie novel as the perfect country house!

Kipling’s car- a Rolls Royce- can still be seen in the garage and the house is surrounded by lovely gardens. A product of the age of Empire and colonialism, Kipling’s work is often now decried and discounted, but his home, Bateman’s, is a fascinating place to visit.

Although he died almost forgotten and remains a much debated figure, Kipling is remembered on this simple stone in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.

Bateman’s

Bateman's Ln,

Burwash,

Etchingham

TN19 7DS