Peasants Last Revolt – Boughton Walk

BOUGHTON – HERNHILL – DARGATE – DUNKIRK – DARGATE – HERNHILL – BOUGHTON

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KENT’S HISTORY KENT’S A WALK THROUGH WALK A

A walk through Kent’s hist

“The reddening Apple Tread in the footsteps of pilgrims and legionaries or follow winding ro ripens here to Gold... woodland trails where kings once hunted. Discover charming m The Branch here bends villages, historic buildings and country homes, and imagine the bu sounds of battle echoing down the centuries from across the yo beneath the weighty Pear” meadows. Explore the abundant countryside, as rich with crops eit and fruit-trees today as it has been for centuries. Th Homer This is a walk of variety, from gently rolling countryside, peppered with wildflowers W and industriously buzzing bees, to the woodland depths, where civilisation seems far behind Re you; from wide, expansive views of rolling fields and distant sea, to quiet country villages in and narrow forest paths where the trees crowd densely overhead. pi You could start your walk in Boughton and follow the rising Roman road until you turn he towards magnificent Mount Ephraim, the house standing like a beacon above the fruited ro slopes below. Enjoy the formal gardens and the magnificent views to every side, before ch plunging into the valley again and crossing through the orchards to the quintessentially Kentish village of Hernhill, clustered on a hilltop around its village green. On one side stands the 14th century pub, on the other, the 15th century church – and all about, handsome half- timbered houses and colourful cottage gardens. Make your way downhill again, across the pastures to Dargate and then stride uphill into the ancient wood of The Blean. Inside, it feels little different from the days when wild boar

Photog Desig A walk through Kent’s history

“The reddening Apple

Tread in the footsteps of pilgrims and legionaries or follow winding roamed here and the royal hunt’ ( ripens here to Gold... woodland trails where kings once hunted. Discover charming morning mists. Follow the wood

• F • The Branch here bends villages, historic buildings and country homes, and imagine the butterflies and birds, past glade ( sounds of battle echoing down the centuries from across the you’re crossing farmland on the

• T • beneath the weighty Pear” meadows. Explore the abundant countryside, as rich with crops either side. Beyond them on your r

( and fruit-trees today as it has been for centuries. The Swale and the open sea; a su • A • Homer

Walk onwards, back into the tree Ot This is a walk of variety, from gently rolling countryside, peppered with wildflowers and industriously buzzing bees, to the woodland depths, where civilisation seems far behind Revolt – the last armed uprising

you; from wide, expansive views of rolling fields and distant sea, to quiet country villages into Boughton, nestled under th

0 and narrow forest paths where the trees crowd densely overhead. pilgrims rested before their final

T here yourself – or, indeed, at any

0 You could start your walk in Boughton and follow the rising Roman road until you turn

T towards magnificent Mount Ephraim, the house standing like a beacon above the fruited route; enjoy a restoring meal o

0 character of the area.

T slopes below. Enjoy the formal gardens and the magnificent views to every side, before

0 plunging into the valley again and crossing through the orchards to the quintessentially And there are many welcom C Kentish village of Hernhill, clustered on a hilltop around its village green. On one side stands true comfort, should y

0 the 14th century pub, on the other, the 15th century church – and all about, handsome half- here that in just a

B timbered houses and colourful cottage gardens. stay? With Fave

0 in this fascinati

B Make your way downhill again, across the pastures to Dargate and then stride uphill into

A the ancient wood of The Blean. Inside, it feels little different from the days when wild boar uniquely fruitful D

A The area covered by this walk nestles in the shadow of The Blean, the remnants of an ancient forest K which is still the largest wood in Kent. The main Roman highway from Dover to London ran The through Boughton and the same road was trodden by the thousands of medieval pilgrims travelling to Canterbury: several of the pubs and inns which line the village streets would have been familiar to them. Their journey might have been a devotional one, but these travellers still needed food and drink to sustain them. The modern walker has, of course, the same needs – and you might find yourself quietly toasting these long ago pilgrims as you sit comfortably in pub or peas restaurant, glass in hand. The house at Mount Ephraim has been the home of one family – the Dawes – since the seventeenth century. In the late-nineteenth century they rebuilt the house in the handsome style you see today, proud on its hill above the surrounding fruit orchards. The family were also great philanthropists, providing work for local las labourers during times of high unemployment in the nineteenth century, more in order to give them a chance to earn a living wage than out of any real need to improve the Mount Ephraim estate. an The villages of Boughton and Hernhill are both medieval settlements; at the heart of Hernhill lies its fine in church – entirely rebuilt in the 15th century – whilst the original church at Boughton is now separated from is its village by the modern by-pass. As you walk up The Street, however, you’ll see a later church, St Barnabas’, y a as well as a former Methodist chapel, now converted into flats. The village of Dunkirk is first mentioned in he the early 18th century, and was known for its lawlessness – by a strange quirk of local government, it did s a not fall under the remit of any local authorities until the late-1830s, and was then, as a result, a sanctuary rts for ne’er-do-wells! to The most notorious event associated with ‘lawless’ Dunkirk was the armed uprising led by Sir William he Courtenay (see panel, The Peasants’ Last Revolt). Seeing the misery the recent Workhouse legislation had re. caused amongst the poor, he styled himself the reincarnation of the Messiah and promised to lead his eld followers to paradise. His uprising disturbed the authorities and a public inquiry was set up. Dunkirk was to recognised as an extremely deprived area and so, as a result, it became a parish in its own right. he ng as In eas lar History & heritage fave BOUGHTON – H s history Church of St Michael chandelier

ng roamed here and the royal hunt’s horns could be heard, sounding in the ng morning mists. Follow the woodland path onwards, looking out for rare the butterflies and birds, past glades carpeted with bluebells in May, until the you’re crossing farmland on the crest of the hill. Cattle quietly graze on ops either side. Beyond them on your right are magnificent vistas down towards The Swale and the open sea; a sunset viewed from here is unforgettable. ers Walk onwards, back into the trees, and past the site of the Peasants’ Last nd Revolt – the last armed uprising on English soil. Then travel down again ges into Boughton, nestled under the shadow of the woods, where medieval pilgrims rested before their final journey to Becket’s shrine. Why not pause urn here yourself – or, indeed, at any of the villages or places of interest on your ted route; enjoy a restoring meal or cheering drink and savour the unique ore character of the area. ally And there are many welcoming guest houses, inns and B&Bs to put you up in nds true comfort, should you decide to visit for longer. In fact, there’s so much alf- here that in just a few hours’ walk it’s impossible to take it in. So why not stay? With Faversham and its attractions lying close at hand, your time nto in this fascinating and charming corner of England will indeed be a oar uniquely fruitful one!

A WALK THROUGH peasantsThe KENT’S HISTORY ’ last revolt

faversham.org/walking

BOUGHTON – HERNHILL – DARGATE – DUNKIRK

displays of woodland flowers. woodland of displays

wild wood, couldn’t be greater. be couldn’t wood, wild of the forest are home to spectacular to home are forest the of

this walk, and the contrasts between verdant countryside and dense, and countryside verdant between contrasts the and walk, this spring and summer, the coppiced areas coppiced the summer, and spring

apples and pears. There’s something to see and enjoy at every turn of turn every at enjoy and see to something There’s pears. and apples well as nightjars and nightingales. In nightingales. and nightjars as well

mallow; come the autumn, the orchards groan under the weight of weight the under groan orchards the autumn, the come mallow; habitats for several rare butterflies, as butterflies, rare several for habitats

elder, hawthorn and dog-rose, past fields dotted with poppies and wild and poppies with dotted fields past dog-rose, and hawthorn elder, Blean are nature reserves, providing reserves, nature are Blean

In the open countryside, you’ll pass alongside hedgerows blooming with blooming hedgerows alongside pass you’ll countryside, open the In the virgin forest. Today, parts of The of parts Today, forest. virgin the

crops, and few inroads were made into made were inroads few and crops, found; its caterpillar feeds on the common cow-wheat which grows here. grows which cow-wheat common the on feeds caterpillar its found;

The soil, however, is unsuitable for field for unsuitable is however, soil, The one of the few places in Britain where the heath fritillary butterfly can be can butterfly fritillary heath the where Britain in places few the of one

Abbey at F at Abbey aversham, for agriculture. for aversham, thrive here, as do nightjars and about thirty pairs of nightingales. The Blean is also is Blean The nightingales. of pairs thirty about and nightjars do as here, thrive

private landowners, including the including landowners, private the wood has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Woodpeckers (SSSI). Interest Scientific Special of Site a designated been has wood the

of it were granted over the years to years the over granted were it of Much of The Blean is a wildlife haven, and there is an RSPB reserve here. Almost half of half Almost here. reserve RSPB an is there and haven, wildlife a is Blean The of Much

place where the king could hunt, parts hunt, could king the where place

trees, such as hazel, hornbeam and oak. and hornbeam hazel, as such trees,

orest in Hampshire) intended as a as intended Hampshire) in orest F New

these are not native trees, in the future it is planned to replace them with more local more with them replace to planned is it future the in trees, native not are these

Royal Forest and therefore (like the (like therefore and Forest Royal

wildflowers, especially bluebells. Sweet chestnuts are used for coppicing; however, since however, coppicing; for used are chestnuts Sweet bluebells. especially wildflowers,

the largest wood in Kent. Originally a Originally Kent. in wood largest the

a result, in spring and summer you will be walking through glades bright with bright glades through walking be will you summer and spring in result, a

places untouched by humans, and is and humans, by untouched places

actually extends the life of a tree, and also allows sunlight to reach the forest floor. As floor. forest the reach to sunlight allows also and tree, a of life the extends actually

Wood – is an ancient woodland, in woodland, ancient an is – Wood

activity is in the coppicing now used as a management tool in the woods. Coppicing woods. the in tool management a as used now coppicing the in is activity

The Blean – often referred to as Blean as to referred often – Blean The

are known to have existed before 1600 AD. Where you will see evidence of human of evidence see will you Where AD. 1600 before existed have to known are

A WILDLIFE HAVEN WILDLIFE A Most of The Blean has been designated as Ancient Woodland, meaning that the woods the that meaning Woodland, Ancient as designated been has Blean The of Most

in the past to encroach upon the woods for farmland simply failed. failed. simply farmland for woods the upon encroach to past the in

The Blean... Blean... The

and this is a reason why so much of this ancient wood survives today: attempts today: survives wood ancient this of much so why reason a is this and

forestry, but not for field crops or fruit. Much of The Blean stands on London Clay, London on stands Blean The of Much fruit. or crops field for not but forestry,

John Schindler John

is ideal for fruit growing, or the heavier London Clay, which is suitable for suitable is which Clay, London heavier the or growing, fruit for ideal is

typical mix for this part of Kent – either a quick-draining, sandy soil, which soil, sandy quick-draining, a either – Kent of part this for mix typical ever-changing!” ever-changing!”

land, orchards, rolling downs and dense woodlands. The soil here is a is here soil The woodlands. dense and downs rolling orchards, land,

everlasting, everlasting,

Your walk takes you through a landscape which mixes arable farming arable mixes which landscape a through you takes walk Your

white in winter, in white

Flora & fauna & Flora

brown in fall, in brown

spring, gold in summer, in gold spring, “The meadow: green in green meadow: “The

Directory of local businesses

Other leaflets available in this series: The Countryside Code Respect – Protect – Enjoy • A walk on the wild side If you follow the Countryside Code wherever you go, you will (Faversham – Davington – Oare – Luddenham) enjoy walking in Kent and help protect the countryside now and for future generations. • The Syndale valley walk Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs. Leave gates and property as you (Newnham - Eastling - Stalisfield - Doddington) find them. Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home. Keep dogs • Footsteps of Royalty and Romans under close control. Consider other people. (Faversham – Ospringe – Painter’s Forstal – Brogdale) For further information please visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk or Tel: 08451 003298 A Faversham Enterprise Partnership project Remember to always follow the Highway Code. For walking information: go to faversham.org/walking Telephone: 01795 534542 Visit: Tourist Information Centre, Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre, 10-13 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8NS

Endorsed by Explore Kent www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

Design: Amber Designs [email protected] Copywriting: Carlton Eve www.carltoneve.co.uk Green Tourism Consultancy: Tribal Voice Communications www.tribal-voice.co.uk

Photography courtesy of: Amber Designs, Canterbury Cathedral, Dan Tuson, Emilie Mitchell, KCC, KTA, Kent Wildlife Trust, Rob Canis The publisher cannot be held accountable for any inaccuracies contained within this leaflet © FEP 2008 FINAL PREPRESS PEASANT' REVOLT LEAFLET 13/12/07 :Layout 1 12/2/08 14:21 Page 1 Page 14:21 12/2/08 1 :Layout 13/12/07 LEAFLET REVOLT PEASANT' PREPRESS FINAL

History & heritage & History

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recognised as an extremely deprived area and so, as a result, it became a parish in its own right. right. own its in parish a became it result, a as so, and area deprived extremely an as recognised made into made

followers to paradise. His uprising disturbed the authorities and a public inquiry was set up. Dunkirk was Dunkirk up. set was inquiry public a and authorities the disturbed uprising His paradise. to followers e for field for e

caused amongst the poor, he styled himself the reincarnation of the Messiah and promised to lead his lead to promised and Messiah the of reincarnation the himself styled he poor, the amongst caused riculture.

Courtenay (see panel, panel, (see Courtenay ). Seeing the misery the recent Workhouse legislation had legislation Workhouse recent the misery the Seeing ). The Peasants’ Last Revolt Last Peasants’ The ing the ing

The most notorious event associated with ‘lawless’ Dunkirk was the armed uprising led by Sir William Sir by led uprising armed the was Dunkirk ‘lawless’ with associated event notorious most The years to years

nt, parts nt, for ne’er-do-wells! for

nded as a as nded not fall under the remit of any local authorities until the late-1830s, and was then, as a result, a sanctuary a result, a as then, was and late-1830s, the until authorities local any of remit the under fall not

(like the (like

the early 18th century, and was known for its lawlessness – by a strange quirk of local government, it did it government, local of quirk strange a by – lawlessness its for known was and century, 18th early the

ginally a ginally

as well as a former Methodist chapel, now converted into flats. The village of Dunkirk is first mentioned in mentioned first is Dunkirk of village The flats. into converted now chapel, Methodist former a as well as

s, and is and s,

its village by the modern by-pass. As you walk up The Street, however, you’ll see a later church, St Barnabas’, St church, later a see you’ll however, Street, The up walk you As by-pass. modern the by village its

dland, in dland,

church – entirely rebuilt in the 15th century – whilst the original church at Boughton is now separated from separated now is Boughton at church original the whilst – century 15th the in rebuilt entirely – church

as Blean as The villages of Boughton and Hernhill are both medieval settlements; at the heart of Hernhill lies its fine its lies Hernhill of heart the at settlements; medieval both are Hernhill and Boughton of villages The

EN chance to earn a living wage than out of any real need to improve the Mount Ephraim estate. Ephraim Mount the improve to need real any of out than wage living a earn to chance

labourers during times of high unemployment in the nineteenth century, more in order to give them a them give to order in more century, nineteenth the in unemployment high of times during labourers

above the surrounding fruit orchards. The family were also great philanthropists, providing work for local for work providing philanthropists, great also were family The orchards. fruit surrounding the above

In the late-nineteenth century they rebuilt the house in the handsome style you see today, proud on its hill its on proud today, see you style handsome the in house the rebuilt they century late-nineteenth the In

The house at Mount Ephraim has been the home of one family – the Dawes – since the seventeenth century. seventeenth the since – Dawes the – family one of home the been has Ephraim Mount at house The

restaurant, glass in hand. in glass restaurant,

you might find yourself quietly toasting these long ago pilgrims as you sit comfortably in pub or pub in comfortably sit you as pilgrims ago long these toasting quietly yourself find might you

needed food and drink to sustain them. The modern walker has, of course, the same needs – and – needs same the course, of has, walker modern The them. sustain to drink and food needed

been familiar to them. Their journey might have been a devotional one, but these travellers still travellers these but one, devotional a been have might journey Their them. to familiar been

travelling to Canterbury: several of the pubs and inns which line the village streets would have would streets village the line which inns and pubs the of several Canterbury: to travelling

through Boughton and the same road was trodden by the thousands of medieval pilgrims medieval of thousands the by trodden was road same the and Boughton through

, which is still the largest wood in Kent. The main Roman highway from Dover to London ran London to Dover from highway Roman main The Kent. in wood largest the still is which

The area covered by this walk nestles in the shadow of The Blean, the remnants of an ancient forest ancient an of remnants the Blean, The of shadow the in nestles walk this by covered area The n

Dir

ACCOM Barnsfie 01227 7 Brenley ### 01227 7 Church 01227 7 istory Tenterd Church of St Michael chandelier 01227 7 The Lee 01227 7 roamed here and the royal hunt’s horns could be heard, sounding in the The Wh 01227 7 morning mists. Follow the woodland path onwards, looking out for rare butterflies and birds, past glades carpeted with bluebells in May, until you’re crossing farmland on the crest of the hill. Cattle quietly graze on Other either side. Beyond them on your right are magnificent vistas down towards • A wal The Swale and the open sea; a sunset viewed from here is unforgettable. (Favers Walk onwards, back into the trees, and past the site of the Peasants’ Last • The Sy Revolt – the last armed uprising on English soil. Then travel down again (Newn into Boughton, nestled under the shadow of the woods, where medieval • Footst pilgrims rested before their final journey to Becket’s shrine. Why not pause (Favers here yourself – or, indeed, at any of the villages or places of interest on your A Fa route; enjoy a restoring meal or cheering drink and savour the unique character of the area. And there are many welcoming guest houses, inns and B&Bs to put you up in Vis true comfort, should you decide to visit for longer. In fact, there’s so much here that in just a few hours’ walk it’s impossible to take it in. So why not stay? With Faversham and its attractions lying close at hand, your time in this fascinating and charming corner of England will indeed be a uniquely fruitful one!

Design: Ambe Photography cou FINAL PREPRESS PEASANT' REVOLT LEAFLET 13/12/07 :Layout 1 12/2/08 14:21 Page 2

Step by step WALKING GUIDE Planning Your Walk We have divided this walk into four distinct sections, each of which If not driving, you can take a train to Faversham and catch a bus starts at a point where you can park: you’re welcome to use the car to Boughton. There are public toilets in Boughton (next to the parks at The White Horse Inn in Boughton and Mount Ephraim post office) and you can also use the toilets at the various ‘pub and you can also park on The Street, Boughton, as appropriate. stops’ en-route. You are of course free to start your walk in any section: as this is a If you’re looking for accommodation locally, choose from the circular route you’ll always return to where you began. Each section directory on the back of this leaflet. Also, check out the wealth of also ends at a spot where you’ll find a pub, restaurant or tea room additional information at faversham.org/walking. to help fortify you for the next stage of your walk – or perhaps to Special offers associated with this leaflet are exclusively available offer a welcome treat once you’ve finished the whole route. when you apply online at faversham.org/walking.

A3. When you reach the T-junction with When you reach the road, turn right following Staplestreet Road at the end of the track, turn the road up hill towards the delightful village left and then immediately right and pass of Hernhill: you’ll have seen its church tower through the gate opposite into Mount and some of the houses as you’ve been Ephraim. Follow the surfaced track towards walking alongside the orchards. the car parks. On your right is a fine view down B2. Hernhill is a picturesque village, towards part of the gardens, with an clustered around a village ornamental bridge leading into the planted green in the centre of woodland grove. A handsome fountain which stands a handsome, stands in front of the cottages to your left. spreading oak. On your If you can, take time to explore the right as you approach the beautiful gardens at Mount Ephraim, green is the church of St which range from a formal garden in Michael, unusual in this BOUGHTON TO front of the house itself to a peaceful area because it is entirely of Japanese garden, and even a maze to test one era – many other local MOUNT EPHRAIM your skills of navigation! The gardens occupy churches were added to over the centuries. Take a look inside if you can – the A1. Starting from the car park at the White more than ten acres, with magnificent carved wood screen between the nave and Horse Inn in Boughton, turn left into The views over The Swale. On a clear day you the choir is extremely fine – whilst the view Street. Walk uphill along The Street, looking can see the offshore wind-farm in the from the churchyard, over the valley you’ve at the many fine old buildings on either side Thames estuary. just travelled through, is a delight. While of you – the parish of Boughton has more You can also relax for a you’re in the churchyard, look out for the listed buildings than any other in the while on the Edwardian memorial to those who died in the Faversham area. As well as the architecture, Tea Room terrace and Courtenay Riots (see panel, The Peasants’ you’re walking in the footsteps of gaze out on the Last Revolt). legionaries – the road you’re travelling is fascinating “sculptures” Across the green from the church is the Red the old Roman road of Watling Street, of the Topiary garden. Lion, a 14th century Wealden hall house. which runs from Dover to London. Walkers are free to use the Inside, the rafters of the original hall are This is also the road taken by Tea Room without a garden visit. Mount still visible on the upper floor and are a the pilgrims made famous by Ephraim also has a farm shop where you splendid example of the craftsmanship of Geoffrey Chaucer, on their way to can buy locally grown produce. Another the period. the great shrine of St. Thomas good source of refreshment is The Three Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Horseshoes at Staplestreet, a short detour The Red Lion is a A2. Continue along The Street, from your route, downhill from the good opportunity to passing St. Barnabas’ Church on entrance to Mount Ephraim. rest for a while over a your left, and then turn left into drink and a restoring Bounds Lane. Walk up the slope until MOUNT EPHRAIM TO HERNHILL bar-meal. There’s a you reach the end of the wall on your peaceful beer garden Continue along the track which passes left, and then turn left off the lane; almost B1. to relax in if the Mount Ephraim’s car parks, walking downhill immediately, take the right-hand fork in the weather is good, with fine views over the with orchards to your right: look carefully in grass track. You have your first views across countryside. Or if you’re looking for summer and autumn and you’ll notice that the valley to Mount Ephraim, standing high something more substantial, try a meal in these are not only apple orchards. There are over the orchards below. the restaurant and dine under the soaring pears and cherries growing here as well. Follow this track all the way until you reach medieval rafters. the road at the end. On your right are Courtenay Riots... extensive orchards, and handsome farm buildings, including a former oast house. THE PEASANTS’ LAST REVOLT As you walk between Dargate and Boughton Hill, you’re close to the scene of the last armed uprising on English soil, the so- called Battle of Bossenden Wood. Led by the self-styled Sir William Courtenay – actually a wine merchant from Truro with a history of mental illness – a small army of labourers from the Hernhill, Boughton and Dunkirk area fought against a detachment of soldiers from Canterbury in May, 1838, and were soundly defeated. Courtenay – who had claimed to be the Messiah – was killed, along with seven of his men; their bodies were placed on display at the Red Lion in Dunkirk, where thousands flocked to see them. A memorial to the fallen stands in Hernhill churchyard. Watling Street… THE PILGRIMS’ WAY “Keep your face always atch a bus towards the sunshine next to the and the shadows will rious ‘pub fall behind you” e from the e wealth of An inscription on The Motto Gate in Mount Ephraim y available Your walk will take you in the footsteps of the countless pilgrims who passed this way towards the famous medieval shrine of St. ht following Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral – DARGATE TO BOUGHTON htful village immortalised by the poet Geoffrey hurch tower Chaucer in his Canterbury Tales. The road This stage of the walk takes you through Blean Wood and is the longest individual section of Heath Fritillary ou’ve been they followed was ancient even in their butterfly day, of course – it was the main road the the walk. que village, Romans built between Dover and London, D1. On entering Dargate, turn right at The a village and known as Watling Street. Take a small Dove Inn and then bear left into the bridleway centre of detour up the hill from Boughton, past which runs to the right-hand side of the white, handsome, Dunkirk, and you’ll be rewarded with a weather-boarded house on your left. k. On your first glimpse of the cathedral: for those D2. Make your way up the hill, but as you do proach the travel-worn and weary pilgrims, this would so be sure to look back. You have a hurch of St have been a moment for rejoicing, before magnificent view across open countryside ual in this their final journey to the shrine itself! down to the sea. s entirely of D3. You now enter part of Blean Wood. other local Continue to follow this track uphill, without to over the HERNHILL TO DARGATE deviating to left or right, passing through u can – the C1. Proceed across the village green at Holly Hill Farm. There is, however, an optional they could log the comings and goings of their e nave and Hernhill, keeping the Red Lion on your detour you can take, to the right to Holly Hill fleet out in the Thames Estuary to the north. st the view right, and continue until you reach the Tower by following the public bridleway at D4. Continue along the main track you have alley you’ve end of the row of houses on your D4. This was built in the 19th century to been following to Dawes Road; as you ght. While right. Then take the footpath resemble a typical church tower of the area, approach the road, there is a magnificent view out for the between the end of the houses complete with a stair-turret rising proud of the to your right across the countryside towards d in the and the playing field. roof-line. It looks at first glance like a The Swale and the Isle of Sheppey beyond. Peasants’ woodland folly, but was in fact built for the Cross over Dawes Road and continue on C2. This footpath now takes you then owners of Mount Ephraim: they were through more orchards. Cross the bridleway through Clay Pits and High is the Red ship owners, and from the top of the tower, over a road and continue again Woods, again not deviating to the left or all house. along the footpath; you’ll shortly right. Go through the gate at the end – just by al hall are be passing orchards once again a charming woodland cottage – and within 50 and are a North Kent... on your right. yards you will find yourself on Boughton Hill, manship of THE FRUIT BOWL OF ENGLAND again an excellent viewpoint. C3. When you reach the next road, turn left and walk along the D5. Turn right down Boughton Hill and make road for 200 yards, then turn left your way back into The Street at Boughton, again down a path you’ll see adjacent to a returning to the White Horse Inn car park. house. Walk along this path, then follow it as it turns to the right, as it becomes a tarmaced The 15th century White road. Continue until you reach Plumpudding Horse Inn not only stands Lane and a cluster of buildings. on the route Chaucer’s C4. Turn right here, and follow the road into pilgrims would have taken ws over the the hamlet of Dargate; you may just see the – it is actually mentioned oking for ‘big’ house, Dargate House, a Regency villa, in This area is part of the “North Kent Fruit y a meal in the distance as you approach. Unlike many of belt”, where both the soil and the in The Canterbury Tales. he soaring the other villages you’ll encounter in the climate are ideal for growing top-fruit. Whether you’re finishing Faversham area, Dargate has no medieval Although the Romans and the Normans your walk here or simply timber-framed buildings; most are Georgian or planted here, fruit growing had fallen getting your energy levels later. On your left as you enter Dargate is The into decline by the 16th century – but back for the next stage, Dove Inn. Look out for the old pub sign, carved was revived by one Richard Harris, who why not stop here for a meal and beverages into the stone above the main entrance. planted 105 acres with cherries and u’re close as those medieval pilgrims would have apples in nearby Teynham. Many others il, the so- done. Other places in Boughton where you styled Sir If you are ready for a break, followed suit, and you will still see could enjoy something to eat and drink Truro with this is a good opportunity throughout the area extensive orchards include The Queen’s Head Inn and Martin’s for something to eat today. It is also ideal for growing hops – s from the Restaurant and there is also a village store and drink. You won’t be as evidenced by the number of against a and newsagent, a post office and a petrol 838, and disappointed – the Dove is oasthouses still standing. Both crops a quaint Victorian country required armies of fruit pickers in season station. You could also take a short detour med to be back into the countryside and visit Farming men; their pub renowned for its excellent food and – many were Romany Gypsies, whilst World, a working farm with hundreds of Dunkirk, warm welcome. On a summer’s day relax in tens of thousands from London’s East the fallen the large formal garden - complete with End also came “hopping down in Kent” different species of animals and attractions dovecote and doves. each September. to interest all ages. C4

D1 C3

C2 D3

ngs of their he north. k you have d; as you Detour ficent view e towards B1 y beyond. ntinue on D4 and High he left or A3 d – just by within 50 ghton Hill,

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ould have © Crown copyright reserved. Kent County Council licence number 100019238. October 2007 where you Walk Overview and drink Distance: 5.25 miles (8.5 km); 2.25 hrs Refreshments: Restaurants and pubs enroute d Martin’s (no stops) Transport: Mainline railway station at age store Fitness level: Suitable for all fitness levels Faversham, where a regular bus d a petrol (There are steep slopes to service operates to Boughton ort detour ascend to the top of Boughton enroute to Canterbury. B1 www.traveline.org.uk t Farming Hill, when approached from ndreds of either direction) Pay phones: Boughton, Hernhill & Dargate ttractions Toilets: Next to post office in Boughton Map: OS Explorer 149 FINAL PREPRESS PEASANT' REVOLT LEAFLET 13/12/07 :Layout 1 12/2/08 21:00 Page 1 Directory of local businesses

ACCOMMODATION FOOD & DRINK VISITOR ATTRACTIONS Barnsfield B&B, Fostall ### Tea Room Terrace, Mount Ephraim, Hernhill Farming World, Boughton 01227 750973 www.barnsfield.co.uk 01227 751496 www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk 01227 751144 www.farming-world.com Brenley Farm House, Boughton The Dove Inn, Dargate Mount Ephraim Gardens, Hernhill #### 01227 751360 www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs 01227 751496 www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk 01227 751203 www.brenley-farm.co.uk The Queen’s Head, Boughton Church Oast, Hernhill #### 01227 751369 www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs 01227 750974 www.churchoast.co.uk The Red Lion, Hernhill ### Key A walk Tenterden House B&B, Boughton 01227 751207 www.theredlionpub.co.uk 01227 751593 www.faversham.org The Three Horseshoes, Staplestreet Visit Britain Green Tourism Award Quality Award The Lees B&B, Boughton ### 01227 750842 www.3shoes.co.uk 01227 751332 www.theleesbb.co.uk The White Horse Inn, Boughton Additional information on these classification “The reddening Apple The White Horse Inn, Boughton #### 01227 751343 www.whitehorsecanterbury.co.uk schemes is available at www.enjoyengland.com 01227 751343 www.whitehorsecanterbury.co.uk ripens here to Gold... The Branch here bends Other leaflets available in this series: The Countryside Code Respect – Protect – Enjoy beneath the weighty Pear” • A walk on the wild side If you follow the Countryside Code wherever you go, you will enjoy walking in Kent and help protect the countryside now and (Faversham – Davington – Oare – Luddenham) Homer for future generations. • The Syndale valley walk Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs. Leave gates and property as you (Newnham - Eastling - Stalisfield - Doddington) find them. Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home. Keep dogs a • Footsteps of Royalty and Romans under close control. Consider other people. yo (Faversham – Ospringe – Painter’s Forstal – Brogdale) For further information please visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk a or Tel: 08451 003298 A Faversham Enterprise Partnership project Y Remember to always follow the Highway Code. to sl For walking information: go to faversham.org/walking Telephone: 01795 534542 p Visit: Tourist Information Centre, Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre, 10-13 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8NS K th ti M th Endorsed by Explore Kent www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

Design: Amber Designs [email protected] Copywriting: Carlton Eve www.carltoneve.co.uk Green Tourism Consultancy: Tribal Voice Communications www.tribal-voice.co.uk Photography courtesy of: Amber Designs, Canterbury Cathedral, Dan Tuson, Emilie Mitchell, KCC, KTA, Kent Wildlife Trust, Rob Canis The publisher cannot be held accountable for any inaccuracies contained within this leaflet © FEP 2008

“The meadow: green in The area covered by this walk nes spring, gold in summer, which is still the largest wood brown in fall, through Boughton and the sam Flora & fauna travelling to Canterbury: several white in winter, been familiar to them. Their jour Your walk takes you through a landscape which mixes arable farming everlasting, needed food and drink to sustain land, orchards, rolling downs and dense woodlands. The soil here is a you might find yourself quietly t typical mix for this part of Kent – either a quick-draining, sandy soil, which ever-changing!” restaurant, glass in hand. is ideal for fruit growing, or the heavier London Clay, which is suitable for John Schindler The house at Mount Ephraim has be forestry, but not for field crops or fruit. Much of The Blean stands on London Clay, In the late-nineteenth century they r and this is a reason why so much of this ancient wood survives today: attempts The Blean... above the surrounding fruit orchard in the past to encroach upon the woods for farmland simply failed. labourers during times of high une Most of The Blean has been designated as Ancient Woodland, meaning that the woods A WILDLIFE HAVEN chance to earn a living wage than o are known to have existed before 1600 AD. Where you will see evidence of human The villages of Boughton and Hernh activity is in the coppicing now used as a management tool in the woods. Coppicing The Blean – often referred to as Blean Wood – is an ancient woodland, in church – entirely rebuilt in the 15th c actually extends the life of a tree, and also allows sunlight to reach the forest floor. As its village by the modern by-pass. As a result, in spring and summer you will be walking through glades bright with places untouched by humans, and is the largest wood in Kent. Originally a as well as a former Methodist chape wildflowers, especially bluebells. Sweet chestnuts are used for coppicing; however, since the early 18th century, and was kno these are not native trees, in the future it is planned to replace them with more local Royal Forest and therefore (like the New Forest in Hampshire) intended as a not fall under the remit of any local trees, such as hazel, hornbeam and oak. place where the king could hunt, parts for ne’er-do-wells! Much of The Blean is a wildlife haven, and there is an RSPB reserve here. Almost half of of it were granted over the years to The most notorious event associat the wood has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Woodpeckers private landowners, including the Courtenay (see panel, The Peasants thrive here, as do nightjars and about thirty pairs of nightingales. The Blean is also Abbey at Faversham, for agriculture. caused amongst the poor, he style one of the few places in Britain where the heath fritillary butterfly can be The soil, however, is unsuitable for field followers to paradise. His uprising d found; its caterpillar feeds on the common cow-wheat which grows here. crops, and few inroads were made into recognised as an extremely deprived In the open countryside, you’ll pass alongside hedgerows blooming with the virgin forest. Today, parts of The elder, hawthorn and dog-rose, past fields dotted with poppies and wild Blean are nature reserves, providing mallow; come the autumn, the orchards groan under the weight of habitats for several rare butterflies, as apples and pears. There’s something to see and enjoy at every turn of well as nightjars and nightingales. In this walk, and the contrasts between verdant countryside and dense, spring and summer, the coppiced areas wild wood, couldn’t be greater. of the forest are home to spectacular displays of woodland flowers. Hist