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Brackenhurst in Nottingham and Kenya

Learn more about the fascinating historic link which has led to friendship and synergy between the two Brackenhurst sites in Nottingham and Kenya.

Brackenhurst in Southwell (UK)

Brackenhurst Campus estate
NTU Brackenhurst campus (School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences)

1828

  • Built by Reverend Thomas Coats Cane of Halloughton.
  • He purchased three fields at the top of the hill in 1827 and completed the house in 1828.
  • Educated at St John's College, Cambridge, Thomas was ordained as a deacon and priest in 1824.
  • He was a squarson reverend, both a farmer and landowner and  bred cattle and pigs on the estate.

1914 – 1918

  • Used as one of 17 auxiliary hospitals in Nottinghamshire during World War I, providing care for servicemen recovering from injuries.

1947

  • Nottingham Farm Institute was established.
  • World War II left the UK short of food and skilled farm workers.
  • The Ministry of Agriculture sought locations in each county for agricultural training.
  • Brackenhurst was chosen for its well-equipped farm and large hall.
  • The Council purchased the hall and 260 acres in 1947.
  • Despite various changes over the years, it has remained a place of learning since 1947.

1999

Brackenhurst in Limuru (Kenya)

Kenya House 2
Brackenhurst Conferences and Retreats

1914

  • Established by Charles Hudson Boileau Cane, grandson of Rev. Thomas Coats Cane.
  • Emigrated to Kenya in the early 20th century and founded Brackenhurst in Limuru, Tigoni.
  • Originally named Three Trees Farm after the three large muna trees left standing on the property.
  • Intended as a coffee farm but shifted focus with the outbreak of World War I.
  • Charles and his wife Violet provided rest and holidays for battle-weary British soldiers.
  • This marked the beginning of Brackenhurst’s heritage as a centre for hospitality.

1964

  • Brackenhurst Hotel was purchased by the Baptist Mission of Kenya.
  • The mission repurposed the grounds for team-building, conferencing, and adventure activities.

2000

  • Brackenhurst Conferences and Retreats partnered with Plants for Life International, an NGO dedicated to environmental conservation.
  • Launched a 30-year project to restore the surrounding land.
  • As a result, a vast indigenous forest grew on Brackenhurst soil for the first time since 1914.
  • The forest now provides a habitat for the restoration of some of Tigoni’s original wildlife.