The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be; because he shows you, by his manner, that he thinks it mere condescension in him; and that his goodness alone bestows upon you what you have no pretense to claim.
~ Chesterfield

The 18th-century politician Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773), was the most celebrated resident of Ranger’s House. One of the foremost men of his age, he is now best known as the author of the famous Letters to his illegitimate son.
Initially a reluctant resident at Ranger’s, he came to love his Blackheath home and used it as a summer retreat. Find out more about his life at Ranger’s House.