in 1450. in
rebellion Cade’s Jack in part taken have may and 1381
The History of Tenterden in Revolt Peasants’ the from suffered inhabitants town’s The market town and a singularly bright spot” (Cobbett 1823). (Cobbett spot” bright singularly a and town market
St Mildred’s tower was built on the wealth generated. wealth the on built was tower Mildred’s St and for most of the nineteenth century it remained “a small small “a remained it century nineteenth the of most for and
16th centuries, contributed to this prosperity. The magnificent magnificent The prosperity. this to contributed centuries, 16th population was about 2000, its cattle markets flourished, flourished, markets cattle its 2000, about was population
became nationally important shipbuilding centres in 15th and and 15th in centres shipbuilding important nationally became decline of the town’s national prominence. In the 1830’s its its 1830’s the In prominence. national town’s the of decline
river ports at Smallhythe and Reading Street, which also also which Street, Reading and Smallhythe at ports river
Mathematical Tiles the reflected railway a later and canal a for plans failed
introduction of sheep. Skilled Flemish settlers and the town’s town’s the and settlers Flemish Skilled sheep. of introduction However, the ports had silted up by the18th century and and century the18th by up silted had ports the However,
14th century after the draining of the Romney Marsh and and Marsh Romney the of draining the after century 14th
installation of a mayor, in place of a bailiff. a of place in mayor, a of installation
Henry V the in centre weaving major a as flourished town The reflected in the creation of a new Charter in 1600 and the the and 1600 in Charter new a of creation the in reflected dedicated to St Mildred. St to dedicated
Royal was town the of importance growing The VI. Henry by eighth century there was possibly a wooden church here here church wooden a possibly was there century eighth exemption from national taxation through a charter granted granted charter a through taxation national from exemption pigs, prior to their autumn slaughter and salting. By the the By salting. and slaughter autumn their to prior pigs,
Princess Diana Connections and privileges legal gained town the return In raiders. French in the forest of Anderida, providing acorns for fattening fattening for acorns providing Anderida, of forest the in “limb” of Rye) in 1449, supplying ships and men against against men and ships supplying 1449, in Rye) of “limb”
Tenterden origins were as a mediaeval ‘den’, a clearing clearing a ‘den’, mediaeval a as were origins Tenterden 1305 Edward I (“Hammer of the Scots”) visited a (as Confederation Ports Cinque the joined Tenterden
Tenterden past and present Tenterden when he came to inspect the works for draining of the Walland Marsh. Growth and Origins Tenterden’s So-called because, made geometrically true and laid flush,
1305 The Prince of Wales, the future they present the appearance of sophisticated brickwork. Centre Gateway the in and
Tenterden’s last windmill, destroyed by fire 1913 fire by destroyed windmill, last Tenterden’s tollgate the of engraving century Eighteenth
This was the intent, and many buildings were, in the 18th Edward II, stayed in Tenterden when he and Hall, Town the of balcony the on centre, town the to entry
century (mostly around 1770-1800+) given a “modern” his close friend Piers Gaveston were banished the at ground recreation the opposite Gardens, Cross appearance, using their old timber frames to hang and from court in disgrace for killing a bishop’s East at Sign Town the in seen be can arms of coat The point tiles which then yielded the look of a new brick deer. Both ultimately came to a grim end.
building. The illusion becomes impossible to disguise at the Anchor •
Cabin and rudder at the stern the at rudder and Cabin
corners, unless the corner is itself disguised, usually using 1416 Henry V probably made several visits to •
vertical timber quoins to finish the edges. Indeed, if you Tenterden’s shipyards. Certainly he was at Bailiff first town’s the
Petlesden, Thomas of arms the bearing sail Mizzen
examine many of the traditional and obviously “tile-hung” Smallhythe in 1416 when he received news •
buildings, you will see that the corners need a vertical of naval victory at Harfleur. His ship “Jesus” ships) half three
quoin for weather-protection. (claimed to be 1000 tons) may have been the with arms-conjoined Royal the from – lions half (three
Ports Cinque the of arms the with charged Mains’l
largest built at Smallhythe. • At point no. 10 on the Heritage Trail, the Miller’s/ furled Fores’l • Chandler’s warehouse presents an imposing three-storey 1449 Henry VI granted Tenterden its original
“brick-built” frontage. The clue is in the white wooden Our American Cousins charter confirmed by Edward IV 1463. with ship masted three a shows It
quoins at the edges, which disguise the fact that these Ports, Cinque the of those all of impressive most
are tiles not bricks. If you look at the shop at 7 East Cross Escape from religious intolerance was a key factor in the 1487 Henry VII visited Reading Street in August the of one as regarded widely is arms of coat Tenterden’s
(directly opposite the Oaks Road junction) you will see at extensive emigration of Wealden families to New England 1487 to oversee the building of “The Regent”. the right of the frontage that the “join” of the mathematical in the17th century. Four Tenterden families were among Arms of Coat Tenterden’s 1538 Henry VIII came to Tenterden, probably on tiles has simply been pointed, not disguised with a quoin. those who sailed from Sandwich to New England in the his way to Smallhythe. His ship “The Grand How many examples of mathematical tiles can you spot in “Hercules” in 1635. Of these most prominent was the family Mistress” similar to ‘The Mary Rose’ was built Tenterden? There are a lot. of Nathaniel Tilden. His descendant Samuel Tilden became there in 1545. Governor of New York and a candidate for the Presidency in the 1865 election, which he lost after a suspect recount. 1600 Elizabeth I granted the town a new charter. The American connection was renewed the following century Further Information Tenterden 1700 William III issued a replacement charter, Finding Tenterden Heritage Trail when ambassador and statesman Benjamin Franklin, who after the original was lost in a fire in 1661. was to become one of the Founding Fathers of American independence, visited Tenterden in 1774. Franklin 1935 The Duchess of York opened the Service accompanied the eminent scientist Joseph Priestley who was Railway Station Training Centre at St Michaels Grange. prominent in the Dissenting Movement. Headcorn is the nearest mainline station. When she was Queen Elizabeth she stopped The two men stayed at Dovenden at the Town Hall in1950 on her way from Buses in Woodchurch Road (still Cranbrook and Benenden. In 1982, as There are regular bus services from Ashford, Headcorn, today a private residence), Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, she Maidstone, Rye, Hastings and Tunbridge Wells. home of the Vineys, visited Tenterden Railway Station. a leading Dissenting Car Parking There is short stay street parking along the High Street and family in Kent. Priestley 1990 H.R.H. Princess Diana, Princess of a number of ‘pay and display’ car parks throughout the preached at The Meeting Wales, officially opened the Leisure Centre. town. These are marked on the map. House in Ashford Road. Twenty years later he was Tourist Information & Accommodation to settle in Philadelphia. There are many places to stay overnight in and around
Benjamin Franklin Tenterden, including hotels, traditional inns and small guest houses. You can also find self–catering and bed and Smallhythe breakfast accommodation in the town and surrounding villages. Information on these and more general tourist Today a quiet hamlet to the south of Tenterden, Smallhythe queries is available from Tenterden Gateway, 2 Manor was once a thriving port with quays and a tidal dock. Row, High Street, Tenterden. Telephone 01580 762558. It was the country’s leading shipbuilding centre for much of William Caxton – For further information on Tenterden, its shops, businesses, the 15th and 16th centuries, constructing vessels for wars attractions, accommodation and events, please visit against the French. First English Printer www.tenterdentown.co.uk Most of Smallhythe’s buildings, including the newly built From his own account Caxton was born in the Weald of The Tenterden Improved Project is partly funded by SEEDA through church, were burned down in a terrible fire in 1514. Kent, but date and place are unknown. Both Tenterden the Channel Corridor Partnership and Kent Rural Towns Group.
The above photo is of a barge at the beginning of the last and Hadlow (near Tonbridge) claim him, and it is certain Acknowledgements century used to transport building materials and coal up river that a “Thomas Kaxton” (conjectured to be a brother) was The Heritage Trail has been produced with the help of the Tenterden and to carry agricultural produce down river. Tenterden’s Town Clerk in 1453-4. In 1473, in Bruges, & District Local History Society. Walking tours guided by a member www.tenterdentown.co.uk William Caxton translated and produced the first book can be arranged through and Smallhythe Place, the half -timbered building to the right of follow the links to Historic Tenterden. printed in English. A copy of Caxton’s Polychronicon the tree, was the home of the famous actress Dame Ellen (1482) was presented to the Town in 1928 and is now Terry for 29 years. It was previously the residence of the held in the Cathedral Archive, Canterbury. harbour master and is open to the public, courtesy of the Historic photographs are courtesy of Dr Jack Gillett and the Tenterden & District Museum Association. National Trust. Museum opening times: www.tenterdenmuseum.i12.com An introduction to
Design, illustration and photography by www.arccreativedesign.com The Jewel of the Weald
in 1450. in
rebellion Cade’s Jack in part taken have may and 1381
The History of Tenterden in Revolt Peasants’ the from suffered inhabitants town’s The market town and a singularly bright spot” (Cobbett 1823). (Cobbett spot” bright singularly a and town market
St Mildred’s tower was built on the wealth generated. wealth the on built was tower Mildred’s St and for most of the nineteenth century it remained “a small small “a remained it century nineteenth the of most for and
16th centuries, contributed to this prosperity. The magnificent magnificent The prosperity. this to contributed centuries, 16th population was about 2000, its cattle markets flourished, flourished, markets cattle its 2000, about was population
became nationally important shipbuilding centres in 15th and and 15th in centres shipbuilding important nationally became decline of the town’s national prominence. In the 1830’s its its 1830’s the In prominence. national town’s the of decline
river ports at Smallhythe and Reading Street, which also also which Street, Reading and Smallhythe at ports river
Mathematical Tiles the reflected railway a later and canal a for plans failed
introduction of sheep. Skilled Flemish settlers and the town’s town’s the and settlers Flemish Skilled sheep. of introduction However, the ports had silted up by the18th century and and century the18th by up silted had ports the However,
14th century after the draining of the Romney Marsh and and Marsh Romney the of draining the after century 14th
installation of a mayor, in place of a bailiff. a of place in mayor, a of installation
Henry V the in centre weaving major a as flourished town The reflected in the creation of a new Charter in 1600 and the the and 1600 in Charter new a of creation the in reflected dedicated to St Mildred. St to dedicated
Royal was town the of importance growing The VI. Henry by eighth century there was possibly a wooden church here here church wooden a possibly was there century eighth exemption from national taxation through a charter granted granted charter a through taxation national from exemption pigs, prior to their autumn slaughter and salting. By the the By salting. and slaughter autumn their to prior pigs,
Princess Diana Connections and privileges legal gained town the return In raiders. French in the forest of Anderida, providing acorns for fattening fattening for acorns providing Anderida, of forest the in “limb” of Rye) in 1449, supplying ships and men against against men and ships supplying 1449, in Rye) of “limb”
Tenterden origins were as a mediaeval ‘den’, a clearing clearing a ‘den’, mediaeval a as were origins Tenterden 1305 Edward I (“Hammer of the Scots”) visited a (as Confederation Ports Cinque the joined Tenterden
Tenterden past and present Tenterden when he came to inspect the works for draining of the Walland Marsh. Growth and Origins Tenterden’s So-called because, made geometrically true and laid flush,
1305 The Prince of Wales, the future they present the appearance of sophisticated brickwork. Centre Gateway the in and
Tenterden’s last windmill, destroyed by fire 1913 fire by destroyed windmill, last Tenterden’s tollgate the of engraving century Eighteenth
This was the intent, and many buildings were, in the 18th Edward II, stayed in Tenterden when he and Hall, Town the of balcony the on centre, town the to entry
century (mostly around 1770-1800+) given a “modern” his close friend Piers Gaveston were banished the at ground recreation the opposite Gardens, Cross appearance, using their old timber frames to hang and from court in disgrace for killing a bishop’s East at Sign Town the in seen be can arms of coat The point tiles which then yielded the look of a new brick deer. Both ultimately came to a grim end.
building. The illusion becomes impossible to disguise at the Anchor •
Cabin and rudder at the stern the at rudder and Cabin
corners, unless the corner is itself disguised, usually using 1416 Henry V probably made several visits to •
vertical timber quoins to finish the edges. Indeed, if you Tenterden’s shipyards. Certainly he was at Bailiff first town’s the
Petlesden, Thomas of arms the bearing sail Mizzen
examine many of the traditional and obviously “tile-hung” Smallhythe in 1416 when he received news •
buildings, you will see that the corners need a vertical of naval victory at Harfleur. His ship “Jesus” ships) half three
quoin for weather-protection. (claimed to be 1000 tons) may have been the with arms-conjoined Royal the from – lions half (three
Ports Cinque the of arms the with charged Mains’l
largest built at Smallhythe. • At point no. 10 on the Heritage Trail, the Miller’s/ furled Fores’l • Chandler’s warehouse presents an imposing three-storey 1449 Henry VI granted Tenterden its original
“brick-built” frontage. The clue is in the white wooden Our American Cousins charter confirmed by Edward IV 1463. with ship masted three a shows It
quoins at the edges, which disguise the fact that these Ports, Cinque the of those all of impressive most
are tiles not bricks. If you look at the shop at 7 East Cross Escape from religious intolerance was a key factor in the 1487 Henry VII visited Reading Street in August the of one as regarded widely is arms of coat Tenterden’s
(directly opposite the Oaks Road junction) you will see at extensive emigration of Wealden families to New England 1487 to oversee the building of “The Regent”. the right of the frontage that the “join” of the mathematical in the17th century. Four Tenterden families were among Arms of Coat Tenterden’s 1538 Henry VIII came to Tenterden, probably on tiles has simply been pointed, not disguised with a quoin. those who sailed from Sandwich to New England in the his way to Smallhythe. His ship “The Grand How many examples of mathematical tiles can you spot in “Hercules” in 1635. Of these most prominent was the family Mistress” similar to ‘The Mary Rose’ was built Tenterden? There are a lot. of Nathaniel Tilden. His descendant Samuel Tilden became there in 1545. Governor of New York and a candidate for the Presidency in the 1865 election, which he lost after a suspect recount. 1600 Elizabeth I granted the town a new charter. The American connection was renewed the following century Further Information Tenterden 1700 William III issued a replacement charter, Finding Tenterden Heritage Trail when ambassador and statesman Benjamin Franklin, who after the original was lost in a fire in 1661. was to become one of the Founding Fathers of American independence, visited Tenterden in 1774. Franklin 1935 The Duchess of York opened the Service accompanied the eminent scientist Joseph Priestley who was Railway Station Training Centre at St Michaels Grange. prominent in the Dissenting Movement. Headcorn is the nearest mainline station. When she was Queen Elizabeth she stopped The two men stayed at Dovenden at the Town Hall in1950 on her way from Buses in Woodchurch Road (still Cranbrook and Benenden. In 1982, as There are regular bus services from Ashford, Headcorn, today a private residence), Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, she Maidstone, Rye, Hastings and Tunbridge Wells. home of the Vineys, visited Tenterden Railway Station. a leading Dissenting Car Parking There is short stay street parking along the High Street and family in Kent. Priestley 1990 H.R.H. Princess Diana, Princess of a number of ‘pay and display’ car parks throughout the preached at The Meeting Wales, officially opened the Leisure Centre. town. These are marked on the map. House in Ashford Road. Twenty years later he was Tourist Information & Accommodation to settle in Philadelphia. There are many places to stay overnight in and around
Benjamin Franklin Tenterden, including hotels, traditional inns and small guest houses. You can also find self–catering and bed and Smallhythe breakfast accommodation in the town and surrounding villages. Information on these and more general tourist Today a quiet hamlet to the south of Tenterden, Smallhythe queries is available from Tenterden Gateway, 2 Manor was once a thriving port with quays and a tidal dock. Row, High Street, Tenterden. Telephone 01580 762558. It was the country’s leading shipbuilding centre for much of William Caxton – For further information on Tenterden, its shops, businesses, the 15th and 16th centuries, constructing vessels for wars attractions, accommodation and events, please visit against the French. First English Printer www.tenterdentown.co.uk Most of Smallhythe’s buildings, including the newly built From his own account Caxton was born in the Weald of The Tenterden Improved Project is partly funded by SEEDA through church, were burned down in a terrible fire in 1514. Kent, but date and place are unknown. Both Tenterden the Channel Corridor Partnership and Kent Rural Towns Group.
The above photo is of a barge at the beginning of the last and Hadlow (near Tonbridge) claim him, and it is certain Acknowledgements century used to transport building materials and coal up river that a “Thomas Kaxton” (conjectured to be a brother) was The Heritage Trail has been produced with the help of the Tenterden and to carry agricultural produce down river. Tenterden’s Town Clerk in 1453-4. In 1473, in Bruges, & District Local History Society. Walking tours guided by a member www.tenterdentown.co.uk William Caxton translated and produced the first book can be arranged through and Smallhythe Place, the half -timbered building to the right of follow the links to Historic Tenterden. printed in English. A copy of Caxton’s Polychronicon the tree, was the home of the famous actress Dame Ellen (1482) was presented to the Town in 1928 and is now Terry for 29 years. It was previously the residence of the held in the Cathedral Archive, Canterbury. harbour master and is open to the public, courtesy of the Historic photographs are courtesy of Dr Jack Gillett and the Tenterden & District Museum Association. National Trust. Museum opening times: www.tenterdenmuseum.i12.com An introduction to
Design, illustration and photography by www.arccreativedesign.com The Jewel of the Weald
in 1450. in
rebellion Cade’s Jack in part taken have may and 1381
The History of Tenterden in Revolt Peasants’ the from suffered inhabitants town’s The market town and a singularly bright spot” (Cobbett 1823). (Cobbett spot” bright singularly a and town market
St Mildred’s tower was built on the wealth generated. wealth the on built was tower Mildred’s St and for most of the nineteenth century it remained “a small small “a remained it century nineteenth the of most for and
16th centuries, contributed to this prosperity. The magnificent magnificent The prosperity. this to contributed centuries, 16th population was about 2000, its cattle markets flourished, flourished, markets cattle its 2000, about was population
became nationally important shipbuilding centres in 15th and and 15th in centres shipbuilding important nationally became decline of the town’s national prominence. In the 1830’s its its 1830’s the In prominence. national town’s the of decline
river ports at Smallhythe and Reading Street, which also also which Street, Reading and Smallhythe at ports river
Mathematical Tiles the reflected railway a later and canal a for plans failed
introduction of sheep. Skilled Flemish settlers and the town’s town’s the and settlers Flemish Skilled sheep. of introduction However, the ports had silted up by the18th century and and century the18th by up silted had ports the However,
14th century after the draining of the Romney Marsh and and Marsh Romney the of draining the after century 14th
installation of a mayor, in place of a bailiff. a of place in mayor, a of installation
Henry V the in centre weaving major a as flourished town The reflected in the creation of a new Charter in 1600 and the the and 1600 in Charter new a of creation the in reflected dedicated to St Mildred. St to dedicated
Royal was town the of importance growing The VI. Henry by eighth century there was possibly a wooden church here here church wooden a possibly was there century eighth exemption from national taxation through a charter granted granted charter a through taxation national from exemption pigs, prior to their autumn slaughter and salting. By the the By salting. and slaughter autumn their to prior pigs,
Princess Diana Connections and privileges legal gained town the return In raiders. French in the forest of Anderida, providing acorns for fattening fattening for acorns providing Anderida, of forest the in “limb” of Rye) in 1449, supplying ships and men against against men and ships supplying 1449, in Rye) of “limb”
Tenterden origins were as a mediaeval ‘den’, a clearing clearing a ‘den’, mediaeval a as were origins Tenterden 1305 Edward I (“Hammer of the Scots”) visited a (as Confederation Ports Cinque the joined Tenterden
Tenterden past and present Tenterden when he came to inspect the works for draining of the Walland Marsh. Growth and Origins Tenterden’s So-called because, made geometrically true and laid flush,
1305 The Prince of Wales, the future they present the appearance of sophisticated brickwork. Centre Gateway the in and
Tenterden’s last windmill, destroyed by fire 1913 fire by destroyed windmill, last Tenterden’s tollgate the of engraving century Eighteenth
This was the intent, and many buildings were, in the 18th Edward II, stayed in Tenterden when he and Hall, Town the of balcony the on centre, town the to entry
century (mostly around 1770-1800+) given a “modern” his close friend Piers Gaveston were banished the at ground recreation the opposite Gardens, Cross appearance, using their old timber frames to hang and from court in disgrace for killing a bishop’s East at Sign Town the in seen be can arms of coat The point tiles which then yielded the look of a new brick deer. Both ultimately came to a grim end.
building. The illusion becomes impossible to disguise at the Anchor •
Cabin and rudder at the stern the at rudder and Cabin
corners, unless the corner is itself disguised, usually using 1416 Henry V probably made several visits to •
vertical timber quoins to finish the edges. Indeed, if you Tenterden’s shipyards. Certainly he was at Bailiff first town’s the
Petlesden, Thomas of arms the bearing sail Mizzen
examine many of the traditional and obviously “tile-hung” Smallhythe in 1416 when he received news •
buildings, you will see that the corners need a vertical of naval victory at Harfleur. His ship “Jesus” ships) half three
quoin for weather-protection. (claimed to be 1000 tons) may have been the with arms-conjoined Royal the from – lions half (three
Ports Cinque the of arms the with charged Mains’l
largest built at Smallhythe. • At point no. 10 on the Heritage Trail, the Miller’s/ furled Fores’l • Chandler’s warehouse presents an imposing three-storey 1449 Henry VI granted Tenterden its original
“brick-built” frontage. The clue is in the white wooden Our American Cousins charter confirmed by Edward IV 1463. with ship masted three a shows It
quoins at the edges, which disguise the fact that these Ports, Cinque the of those all of impressive most
are tiles not bricks. If you look at the shop at 7 East Cross Escape from religious intolerance was a key factor in the 1487 Henry VII visited Reading Street in August the of one as regarded widely is arms of coat Tenterden’s
(directly opposite the Oaks Road junction) you will see at extensive emigration of Wealden families to New England 1487 to oversee the building of “The Regent”. the right of the frontage that the “join” of the mathematical in the17th century. Four Tenterden families were among Arms of Coat Tenterden’s 1538 Henry VIII came to Tenterden, probably on tiles has simply been pointed, not disguised with a quoin. those who sailed from Sandwich to New England in the his way to Smallhythe. His ship “The Grand How many examples of mathematical tiles can you spot in “Hercules” in 1635. Of these most prominent was the family Mistress” similar to ‘The Mary Rose’ was built Tenterden? There are a lot. of Nathaniel Tilden. His descendant Samuel Tilden became there in 1545. Governor of New York and a candidate for the Presidency in the 1865 election, which he lost after a suspect recount. 1600 Elizabeth I granted the town a new charter. The American connection was renewed the following century Further Information Tenterden 1700 William III issued a replacement charter, Finding Tenterden Heritage Trail when ambassador and statesman Benjamin Franklin, who after the original was lost in a fire in 1661. was to become one of the Founding Fathers of American independence, visited Tenterden in 1774. Franklin 1935 The Duchess of York opened the Service accompanied the eminent scientist Joseph Priestley who was Railway Station Training Centre at St Michaels Grange. prominent in the Dissenting Movement. Headcorn is the nearest mainline station. When she was Queen Elizabeth she stopped The two men stayed at Dovenden at the Town Hall in1950 on her way from Buses in Woodchurch Road (still Cranbrook and Benenden. In 1982, as There are regular bus services from Ashford, Headcorn, today a private residence), Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, she Maidstone, Rye, Hastings and Tunbridge Wells. home of the Vineys, visited Tenterden Railway Station. a leading Dissenting Car Parking There is short stay street parking along the High Street and family in Kent. Priestley 1990 H.R.H. Princess Diana, Princess of a number of ‘pay and display’ car parks throughout the preached at The Meeting Wales, officially opened the Leisure Centre. town. These are marked on the map. House in Ashford Road. Twenty years later he was Tourist Information & Accommodation to settle in Philadelphia. There are many places to stay overnight in and around
Benjamin Franklin Tenterden, including hotels, traditional inns and small guest houses. You can also find self–catering and bed and Smallhythe breakfast accommodation in the town and surrounding villages. Information on these and more general tourist Today a quiet hamlet to the south of Tenterden, Smallhythe queries is available from Tenterden Gateway, 2 Manor was once a thriving port with quays and a tidal dock. Row, High Street, Tenterden. Telephone 01580 762558. It was the country’s leading shipbuilding centre for much of William Caxton – For further information on Tenterden, its shops, businesses, the 15th and 16th centuries, constructing vessels for wars attractions, accommodation and events, please visit against the French. First English Printer www.tenterdentown.co.uk Most of Smallhythe’s buildings, including the newly built From his own account Caxton was born in the Weald of The Tenterden Improved Project is partly funded by SEEDA through church, were burned down in a terrible fire in 1514. Kent, but date and place are unknown. Both Tenterden the Channel Corridor Partnership and Kent Rural Towns Group.
The above photo is of a barge at the beginning of the last and Hadlow (near Tonbridge) claim him, and it is certain Acknowledgements century used to transport building materials and coal up river that a “Thomas Kaxton” (conjectured to be a brother) was The Heritage Trail has been produced with the help of the Tenterden and to carry agricultural produce down river. Tenterden’s Town Clerk in 1453-4. In 1473, in Bruges, & District Local History Society. Walking tours guided by a member www.tenterdentown.co.uk William Caxton translated and produced the first book can be arranged through and Smallhythe Place, the half -timbered building to the right of follow the links to Historic Tenterden. printed in English. A copy of Caxton’s Polychronicon the tree, was the home of the famous actress Dame Ellen (1482) was presented to the Town in 1928 and is now Terry for 29 years. It was previously the residence of the held in the Cathedral Archive, Canterbury. harbour master and is open to the public, courtesy of the Historic photographs are courtesy of Dr Jack Gillett and the Tenterden & District Museum Association. National Trust. Museum opening times: www.tenterdenmuseum.i12.com An introduction to
Design, illustration and photography by www.arccreativedesign.com The Jewel of the Weald The Heritage Trail 6. The Pebbles influential Curteis family. The tomb of Rev. Philip Ward, 10. The Miller’s/Chandler’s Warehouse Eight Bells) have over From the junction look across the High Street to “The husband of Horatia Nelson, is almost hidden behind the This three -storey 18th century building is immediately the centuries reflected Pebbles” with imitation wooden masonry and quoins. second yew on the left as you walk towards the Vicarage. to the left of Sayers Lane. Looking up to the roof you its proximity and Erected in 1780 by Dr Mace, the central doorway was built see the doors and pulley, clues to its former use. It has association with the Retrace your steps and turn left to Start at the Tourist Office in the “Gateway” centre to enable him to ride his horse through to the stables at the white wood quoins and is clad with “mathematical tiles” church. 100 High Street, in Manor Row, on the north side rear. Traces of the pebbles are visible on the forecourt. In (see item overleaf). 1830-1, during repairs to the Vicarage, it was home to the 7. The Woolpack Bells Lane is of the Greens. bordered by family of Rev. Philip Ward and his wife Horatia, love child This 16th century building was a 11. Ye Olde Cellars to the right of the old Embassy 1. Manor Row and The Greens of Horatio Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. coaching inn with access through the eighteenth and Cinema (5 High Street) formerly a bar below street level nineteenth century This 1960’s parade, Manor Row, is on the site of a archway. Bishops and archbishops was furnished with old casks, vats and barrels. medieval manor house visited by the future Edward II Turn left and continue up High Street 40 yards regularly stayed here when attending cottages. Under when, as Prince of Wales, he stayed in the town the church for confirmations. one of these, Theatre Cottage, is a weatherboard-lined Observe the butcher’s hooks Brick vaulted tomb 12. The Embassy Cinema in 1305. (name on front of building) passage leading to Theatre Square, the site of the old above on the building that opened in 1937 and closed in 1967 replaced an Tenterden Theatre, built in 1794, and now divided into 8. The Town Hall Markets were held on the Greens in the nineteenth (42 High Street) immediately earlier Picture House at East Cross that is now a parade three cottages. Here, during the Napoleonic War, the next door was built in century. The noise and stench, compounded by the before the path on the left of shops and offices known as the Fairings. officers from the Reading Street barracks socialised with 1790 as a replacement smell from the gasworks, the tannery and brewery, and to the Church. the young ladies of the town. In later years the lane for the one burned down conditions underfoot were a cause of complaint and the gained a reputation for drunkenness and immorality. The distinctive brick vaulted in 1661.The Georgian 13. The building on the corner of Recreation Ground animal fairs were transferred to the Recreation Ground. The Greens, today Ivy Court tombs include those of the Assembly Room on the Road is the original , almost hidden by shops Take the first turning right off Bells Lane into Jackson’s built in its front garden, although its portico has been The trees were planted in 1870/1 after heated debate, Walk up this path leading to the south porch of the church first floor has boards Lane – follow it round on the casting vote of the mayor. with the names of Bailiffs brought forward at the end of a long corridor to be flush and then right and then left halfway down the footpath with the shop fronts. The18th century house is still intact. After just a few steps you alongside The Woolpack, noting the tombs on your left. and Mayors since 1449, Turn left out of the Gateway and left down Station Road and a musicians gallery. pass a little building on your Cross over High Street at traffic lights and return on the left with an inscription in the The Town’s Museum and a stationary engine are in the Incorporated as a member other side, looking across the High Street to building 14 of the Cinque Ports, apex, “The Soup Kitchen car park on the left. Opposite is the coach park, the site and 15 1875”. It was supported by of Tenterden’s brewery, demolished in 1925. Tenterden enjoyed extensive privileges including virtual Can you spot this in Jackson’s Lane? self-government and exemption from national taxation in 14. The Old Grammar School (Nos 20/18) public donation for Tenterden’s Continue down Station Road to the 15th and 16th centuries. Next door but one to the Town Hall are Nos 18 & 20, rural poor in the agricultural depression KESR station formerly the grammar school established about 1521 by of the late nineteenth century. As you continue along the High Street view the following bequest “for the said chauntry prest for the tyme being at 2. Tenterden Station on the opposite side Exit onto High Street and turn left, past the Pebbles and The Kent & East Sussex light railway linked Headcorn Tenterden to loige and teche his scolars”. By 1812 there Bridewell Lane with Robertsbridge in East Sussex. Tenterden station was were just 6 scholars and the school had ceased to exist built in 1903 and the line extended to Headcorn by the mid-nineteenth century. This was originally Gas Lane and here was the town’s in 1905. A passenger link to London, it was gasworks from about 1840 until the late 1940’s. At its also extensively used for transporting agricultural junction with the High Street is the Zion Baptist Church, products, including cattle. Closed to passengers in which was strongly supported and endowed by two local 1954, part of the line was reopened in 1974 and 2 families, Rogers and Boorman. Tenterden had a strong a further section to Bodiam reopened later. Non-Conformist tradition.
Turn back from the Station and retrace just 20 yards Further along on your left is and on your left turn into Church Path and then up the steep footpath that emerges after about 150 3 17. Pittlesden Gatehouse, yards onto Church Road. Turn immediately left into 91 High Street small private car park This is a 15/16th century timber framed cottage with 3. View Across Country to Roman Road 13 plaster filling, reputedly the At this end of Church Road from the small car park 12 oldest building in Tenterden 11 and one of the gatehouses to look north across the valley to St Michael’s spire 15 on the ridge. The Roman Road along this ridge 4 the manor house opposite. was used to export Wealden iron and has been 14 identified as the route taken 800 years later by 8 10 18. Borough Place, a row the Norman army as it advanced on Dover and 7 of colour washed brick houses, Pittlesden Gatehouse Canterbury after the Battle of Hastings. where Tenterden’s workhouse was established in 1724, 9 on the site of the original Elizabethan poor house. Now turn round and walk down Church Road St Mildred’s church towards the High Street 16 On your right you pass Tenterden Day Centre, formerly 5 the National School, established 1843. It was used as a school until 1973. 6
4. St Mildred’s Church The 15th century four-stage tower on your left dominates the locality. The unusual double west door has a huge 15. Cliff House (No 22) perpendicular window above. The church can be entered Adjacent to the Town Hall is an 18th century two storey at the south porch and a guidebook is available inside. building with attic, home of Jeremiah Cliff, Apothecary to the Workhouse. He left a complete record of the causes of Stop at junction with the High Street death of all who died from 1713-40, including his maid, 1 who hanged herself in an upstairs room here in 1722. Borough Place 5. Lock-Up and Turnpike Just beyond the pelican crossing turn left into Bells Lane The building on your left at the southeast corner of 17 Church Road and the High Street was the police station 18 until 1956 and the lock-up and turnpike booth prior to 16. Bells Lane Turn left into an alley between 9. Wealden Hall House that. You can still see the cell bars through the window. This medieval lane leads out into numbers 117/119 High Street There was turnpike gate across the main road until This black and white building was originally a great the countryside to Smallhythe. about 1880. hall open to the roof with a central hearth. The smoke Note on the right hand side is escaped through openings at the top of each gable. In the As you enter the lane note Mayors Place, a row of modest the jetty overhanging the lane At this point the main street narrows. This was the result 16th century a huge cottages with a line of old Mayors Place of traders in the thirteenth century encroaching onto chimney was built from the property to your right. outside privies. the King’s highway. Twelve horseshoes annually to the at the east end and This restaurant was formerly a Crown was the price of staying there. a floor inserted at coaching inn whose changing Now retrace your steps to the Town Centre first floor level. names (The Angel, Six Bells,
Bell Lane