Being the nearest county to Europe, on the border of London and of course being one of the most beautiful counties in the country (we might be a bit biased!) we’ve had our fair share of important historical and contemporary figures who have called this place home and locations which have witnessed rather exciting times through history. So, let’s take a wander through a selection of people and places who’ve helped shape Kent’s nature…
Curious Brewery
One of our most popular exports of the alcoholic variety is Curious Brewery, who craft a number of beers from Pilsner to Session IPA and ciders, with a restaurant on site. The significance of the Brewhouse is that it’s named Miss Ellen Adams. On the site where it now stands was Beaver Road Primary School and in 1943, the area was the target of a German bombing raid (due to the nearby Ashford station and rail lines). Fortunately, the quick thinking of the teacher who got all classes and staff from danger into the air raid shelter, meant that no one was injured or killed despite devastation nearby – a suitable homage indeed! This is one of many stories that’ll be told on a tour around the Brewery, which also includes a free Curious Beer Glass to take home.
Richborough Roman Fort
Take a trip back to AD 43 where the Romans started their British conquest in earnest at the Richborough Roman Fort near Sandwich. Throughout 2022 and start of 2023, English Heritage have developed the site to bring the story of the Roman invasion to life even more. There’s a replica Roman gateway tower that has wonderful views across the site (possibly the best place to envisage how the site would’ve looked over 2000 years ago), a new audio guide that portrays the Roman’s story as you wander around the site and a number of previously unseen artefacts.
Medway’s connections
Where do we possibly start with Medway – its long and vibrant history has meant a number of political and cultural figures have lived, written about or visited on numerous occasions. Being on the River Medway, the area has been a popular site for sailers, and most notable is Sir Francis Drake who is best known for the single expedition to circumnavigate the globe between 1577 and 1580 – quite a feat 500 years ago. Possibly one of most prominent people who’ve called Medway home is Charles Dickens, with the early years of his life greatly influencing the stories he told – with a number of them set in the Medway area. Skipping forward a few years is the newest King of Britain, King Charles III who is a Patron of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, having visited many times.
Gravesham
We can’t go through north Kent without recognising the historical importance of Gravesham, with the Thames right alongside the north of the district, it has seen many figures come and go. The area is predominantly known as the home of Charles Dickens, with Gad’s Hill Place the country home of Dickens, writing Great Expectations and The Uncommercial Traveller amongst other works - and where he spent his last years. In Gravesend itself the largest Sikh Gurdwara in Europe stands – the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, a beautiful marvel that offers a warm welcome for guided tours, regular worship and festivals.
Thanet
We love our coastal stories, and Thanet is no stranger to them. With its stunning beaches, undulating landscape and seaside town charms, this area of Kent has seen the aforementioned Dickens numerous times (he once described Broadstairs with he words ‘you cannot think how delightful and fresh the place is and how good the walks’ – quite the statement). Beyond Dickens, the famed painter JMW Turner was the inspiration for the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate as a number of his most famous pieces were painted from locations like those where the artistic space is situated. For a piece of modern art, spot Tracey Emin’s pink neon sign 'I never stopped loving you' on Droit House (the VIC just next to Turner Contemporary). Heading south and into Ramsgate, is one of Kent’s most famous architects ever – Augustus Pugin. If you’re lost as to who we mean, his most famous project was none other than Big Ben! His family home is situated just outside the main town of Ramsgate and can be seen and toured on guided visits by appointment, alternatively you could take a walk in his footsteps.
Historic Deal and Walmer
Once more, the east coast of Kent is historically important as in 55 and 54 BC, Julius Caesar is to have landed upon the Deal & Walmer coast during his invasions of Britain. Skipping ahead a number of years, the area was still as vitally important to trade and defence, with King Henry VIII building a number of imposing castles along the coastline – Sandown, Deal and Walmer – each with their own unique stories, and Walmer and Deal can still be visited today for tours about intriguing tales of how the Wellington Boot came about for instance. For those looking to get a little closer to the history, with views across the Walmer Castle is Glen Hill, a holiday cottage that can be rented out from Keepers Cottages.
