The map

Count Zborowski, the multimillionaire playboy who lived at Higham just outside Bridge in the 1920s, is perhaps best known for his exploits as an amateur racing driver. His specially built cars, that incorporated First World War aeroplane engines, were later to be the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But Count Zborowski is also well-known for his 15” gauge steam railway that he had built around his estate. This mile long track has long fascinated railway enthusiasts because no known photos or film were thought to exist. That was until Tim Jones, a Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, came across two reels of amateur film labeled ‘Count Drama.’ It soon became apparent that this home-made drama, in the style of silent films, had been shot at the Higham Estate in 1924 and starred Count Zborowski.

Although the footage showed elements of a story, the narrative was not entirely clear in its original form. Tim Jones has now edited the material to make a completed film called, 'The Map.' To make the story clearer inter-titles and music were added.

The film was premiered on 30 March 2019 at a public screening at Canterbury Christ Church University and became publicly available online from 25 April 2020.