We now jump forward to 1831 when Captain Best’s son, Fairfax Best, still living in Chilston Park, changed his allegiance. He was commissioned as a Cornet (2nd Lieutenant) in the West Kent Yeomanry Cavalry (WKYC)
He became a member of the Oxenhoath Troop – Oxen Hoath is an estate at West Peckham, between Tonbridge and Maidstone.
The Museum has his valise (saddle roll) embroidered with OHT at one end and WKYC at the other. Although carried by all ranks of cavalry and yeomanry for their necessaries, very few examples of the valise still survive. This one is in excellent condition and is extremely rare.