Charlton House is the finest and best preserved Jacobean mansion in the London area. The design is attributed to John Thorpe. Thorpe is one of the earliest known British architects, who lived c1560-1620.
The House was built 1607-12 for Sir Adam Newton, tutor to Prince Henry, the son of James I, and older brother of the future Charles I.
Between 1767 and 1923 it was owned by the Maryon-Wilson family, who were responsible in 1829 for enclosing the village green in front of the House. It was purchased by the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich in 1925, and is now used as a community centre.
The house has been much restored over the years, of course, but in most cases the restoration has been well done. The appearance is not much different to the original, although the original furniture no longer exists.
