Creative Writing

Use the magic of this historic building to help stimulate your writing, (in prose or poetry). Charlie Bell, an experienced writer and teacher, will help you to create something special.

West Horsley Place, aka ‘Button House’, is a fascinating place with a story stretching back to Saxon times, what tales it must have to tell.

The workshop will begin with a look round the house, then Charlie will set tasks to get your imaginative juices flowing. There will be opportunities to share what we write with each other.

Please bring your writing materials of choice. If you want to start researching some of the characters and history of the house, the website is full of information, and if you wish to soak up some of the atmosphere, there are five series of BBC’s Ghosts to enjoy, although the characters and their stories will not form part of our activities.

Charlie Bell

Charlie has been involved in the creative world since he first played the King in the ‘King and I’ at school, and was encouraged to develop his poetry by his English teacher. Since then he has been a teacher, writer, freelance journalist, adult education manager and creative writing tutor. He writes poems and short stories and is currently Chair of the Tunbridge Wells Poetry Festival. He makes videos for fun and sometimes shows them at the one-man shows he holds for charity. At the time of writing, two of his poems are showing in the local Friends of the Earth Art Show at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. One of his poems can be heard regularly at Frant Station. Charlie also teaches at Knole and University of Kent. 

Important Information

Ticket cost: £45

No previous experience required. 

Please bring your writing materials of choice.

Tea/Coffee break included.

Suitable for aged 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied)

Takes place in the manor house

Access information here.