The Paddock Restaurant Chatham

The Paddock was a well-known restaurant in Chatham, Kent, England. It was open from 1969 to 2003. The restaurant was known for its American-style cuisine and its friendly atmosphere.

Opens in a new windowwww.pinterest.co.uk

Paddock Restaurant in Chatham

The Paddock was located on Dock Road in Chatham, close to the River Medway. The restaurant had a large dining room, as well as a bar and a patio. The menu featured a wide variety of American dishes, including burgers, steaks, and fried chicken. The restaurant also served a variety of cocktails and beers.

The Paddock was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It was a popular place to meet up with friends and family, and it was also a popular choice for special occasions. The restaurant was known for its good food, friendly service, and lively atmosphere.

The Paddock closed in 2003, after over 30 years of business. The reason for the closure was never officially announced, but it was believed to be due to financial difficulties. The building that housed the restaurant was later demolished, and the site is now occupied by a car park.

Despite its closure, The Paddock remains a fondly remembered institution in Chatham. The restaurant was a popular part of the local community, and it is still missed by many.

Bybrooke House Wiltshire

 

Bybrook House is a beautiful Georgian Grade II listed building situated on the outskirts of the charming village of Box in Wiltshire, England. Dating back to the 18th century, the house exudes an air of elegance and tranquility, nestled amidst stunning countryside views.

Opens in a new windowwww.bybrookhouse.co.uk

Bybrook House, Box, England

Surrounded by rolling hills, lush meadows, and a meandering trout stream, Bybrook House offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The house's graceful architecture, with its symmetrical façade and sash windows, blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Inside, Bybrook House boasts a spacious and inviting interior, showcasing a harmonious blend of original period features and modern comforts. The house's elegant reception rooms, adorned with intricate cornicing and beautiful fireplaces, provide an ideal setting for intimate gatherings and relaxed evenings.

Bybrook House offers a variety of accommodation options, including stylish guest bedrooms, each with its own unique character and charm. The house also features a well-equipped kitchen, a comfortable lounge, and a dining room with stunning views of the gardens.

Stepping into the Bybrook House gardens is like entering a tranquil oasis. The meticulously landscaped grounds feature a variety of plants and flowers, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents. The gardens also include a delightful croquet lawn, a tranquil pond, and a charming terrace, providing ample space for outdoor relaxation and enjoyment.

Whether you're seeking a relaxing retreat, a romantic getaway, or a memorable family gathering, Bybrook House offers a truly enchanting experience. With its blend of elegance, comfort, and natural beauty, Bybrook House is a place where memories are made and treasured.

The Junction Restaurant Ashford

The Junction Restaurant in Ashford is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike. It is known for its excellent food, friendly service, and lively atmosphere.

Opens in a new windowwww.tripadvisor.co.uk

Junction Restaurant Ashford

The restaurant serves a wide variety of cuisine, including traditional British dishes, as well as international and vegetarian options. The menu is constantly evolving, so there is always something new to try.

The Junction Restaurant is also a great place to catch up with friends and family. The restaurant has a large bar, and there is often live music on weekends. The restaurant is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for dinner.

If you are looking for a great place to eat in Ashford, The Junction Restaurant is definitely worth checking out.

Styal Woods Cheshire

 Styal Woods, located in Styal, Cheshire, England, is a picturesque expanse of woodland nestled along the banks of the River Bollin. Renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance, Styal Woods offers a tranquil escape into the heart of Cheshire's countryside.

Opens in a new windowwww.alltrails.com

Styal Woods, Cheshire, England

The woods encompass a diverse array of habitats, ranging from mature oak and beech trees to verdant meadows and tranquil waterways. This rich biodiversity attracts a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and even the occasional deer.

Visitors to Styal Woods can embark on a network of well-maintained trails, winding through the woodland canopy and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The paths are suitable for walkers of all abilities, making it an ideal destination for families and casual strollers alike.

Beyond its natural beauty, Styal Woods is steeped in history, having been a part of the Quarry Bank Mill estate since the 18th century. The woods once provided timber for the mill's operations and served as a recreational retreat for the mill's workers and their families.

Today, Styal Woods remains a cherished part of the local community, providing a haven for relaxation, exploration, and connection with nature. Whether strolling along the tranquil trails, enjoying a picnic amidst the trees, or simply admiring the beauty of the woodland landscape, visitors to Styal Woods are sure to find a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the natural splendor of Cheshire's countryside.

Joan Blaeu Engraver 1662

 Joan Blaeu's 1662 copper engraving of the Isle of Sheppey is a detailed and informative map of the island, capturing its geography and landmarks with remarkable precision. The map features an intricate title cartouche adorned with allegorical figures, symbolizing the island's rich history and natural beauty.

Opens in a new windowsanderusmaps.com

Joan Blaeu's 1662 copper engraving of the Isle of Sheppey

Blaeu's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the map's intricate coastline, accurately depicting the island's bays, inlets, and marshes. The map also includes detailed representations of Sheppey's towns and villages, along with notable landmarks such as churches, windmills, and castles.

The map's color scheme adds depth and dimension to the landscape, highlighting the island's verdant fields, sandy beaches, and blue waterways. The use of shading and stippling creates a sense of relief, emphasizing the island's topography and its varied terrain.

Beyond its geographical accuracy, Blaeu's map provides valuable insights into the island's cultural and economic significance. The map includes illustrations of ships sailing along the coast, indicating the island's role in maritime trade. Additionally, the map depicts farming activities, suggesting the island's agricultural importance.

Joan Blaeu's 1662 copper engraving of the Isle of Sheppey is a remarkable work of cartography, combining scientific precision with artistic flair. It serves as a valuable historical document, providing a glimpse into the island's past and its enduring significance.

The Tenterden Light Railway 1900-1957

 

The Tenterden Light Railway was a 10-mile (16 km) long railway line that operated between Tenterden and Headcorn in Kent, England. It was a narrow-gauge railway, with a gauge of 2 ft 6 in (762 mm). The line opened in 1900 and closed in 1957.

History

Opens in a new windowwww.mytenterden.co.uk

Tenterden Light Railway

The Tenterden Light Railway was built to serve the agricultural community in the Rother Valley. The line was used to transport goods and passengers, and it was a vital part of the local economy.

The line was initially very successful, but it began to decline in the 1930s, as more people began to use buses and cars to travel. The line was also hit hard by the Second World War, and it never fully recovered.

Late 70s or early 80s

In the late 1970s or early 1980s, there was a brief revival of interest in the Tenterden Light Railway. A group of volunteers formed the Tenterden Light Railway Preservation Society, and they began to restore the line. The society operated a number of heritage trains on the line, and they hoped to eventually reopen the line to the public.

However, the society was unable to secure the necessary funding to restore the line, and the project was eventually abandoned. The line is now derelict, and it is unlikely to ever be reopened.

Legacy

The Tenterden Light Railway was a popular tourist attraction in its day, and it is still fondly remembered by many people who live in the Rother Valley. The line is a reminder of the importance of railways in the past, and it is a valuable part of the local heritage.

Smeeth Railway Station 1910

   Here is a picture and some information about Smeeth Railway Station, near Ashford, c1910.

Smeeth Railway Station

Opens in a new window

Smeeth Railway Station in Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, c.1910

Smeeth Railway Station was a railway station located on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway's (SECR) Ashford to Canterbury West Line in Smeeth, Kent, England. The station opened on 1 January 1882 and closed on 7 February 1954.

History

Smeeth Railway Station was built to serve the village of Smeeth, which had a population of around 500 people in the early 20th century. The station was a single-story wooden building with a platform on each side of the single-track line. The station had a booking office, a waiting room, and a goods yard.

The station was served by passenger trains between Ashford and Canterbury West. There were typically two trains per hour in each direction. The station also handled goods traffic, including agricultural produce and coal.

Decline and Closure

The decline of Smeeth Railway Station began in the 1920s, as more people began to use buses and cars to travel. Passenger traffic at the station continued to decline in the 1930s and 1940s, and the station was finally closed in 1954.

Today

The site of Smeeth Railway Station is now a private residence. The station building was demolished in the 1960s, but the platform can still be seen. The railway line is still in use, and it is served by passenger trains between Ashford and Canterbury West.

Heritage

Smeeth Railway Station was a part of the important railway network that served Kent for over a century. The station played a vital role in the lives of the people of Smeeth, and it is a reminder of a bygone era.

Hop picking in luton area of chatham, called cabbage Island

 

Hop picking was once a common agricultural activity in Kent, England, including in the areas of Luton and Chatham. During the hop harvest, which typically occurred in September, large numbers of people would be employed to pick the hops, which are the flowers of the hop plant. Hops are used as a flavoring and preservative in beer, and they were an important crop in Kent for centuries.

Opens in a new windowspitalfieldslife.com

Hop picking in Luton Chatham Kent

Hop picking was a labor-intensive job, and it was often done by hand. Pickers would use ladders or hop stands to reach the hops, and they would carefully pick the flowers into baskets. The hops would then be taken to the oast house, where they would be dried and prepared for use in brewing.

Hop picking was a social event, and it was often seen as a fun and rewarding way to earn extra money. Hop pickers would often camp out in the hop fields during the harvest, and they would enjoy singing, dancing, and other activities in the evenings.

Hop picking declined in popularity in the 20th century, as mechanization made the job less labor-intensive. However, there are still a few hop farms in Kent that use hand-picked hops, and hop picking is still a popular activity for some people.

If you are interested in learning more about hop picking in Kent, there are a number of museums and websites that have information on the subject. You can also visit a hop farm during the harvest season to see hop picking in action.

Short Brothers Aviation Factory Sheppey 1910

    Here is a picture and some information about women at work at the Short Brothers Aviation Factory, at Shell Beach Aerodrome, on the Isle of Sheppey in 1910.

Opens in a new windowthreepointsofthecompass.com

Women at work at the Short Brothers Aviation Factory, at Shell Beach Aerodrome, on the Isle of Sheppey, 1910

In the early days of aviation, women played an important role in the aircraft manufacturing industry. They worked in a variety of jobs, including assembling aircraft, doping wings, and inspecting parts. At the Short Brothers Aviation Factory in Shell Beach, England, women made up a significant portion of the workforce in the early 1910s.

The women who worked at the Short Brothers factory were mostly young and unmarried. They were attracted to the work because it was well-paid and offered them a sense of independence. The work was also challenging and demanding, but the women were proud of their contributions to the war effort.

In 1910, there were over 100 women employed at the Short Brothers factory. They worked in a variety of departments, including the fuselage shop, the wing shop, and the final assembly shop. The women were responsible for a wide range of tasks, including assembling wooden frames, doping wings with fabric, and inspecting parts for defects.

The women who worked at the Short Brothers factory were highly skilled and experienced. They were trained by skilled craftsmen, and they quickly became proficient in their work. The women were also very safety conscious, and they took pride in their work.

The women who worked at the Short Brothers factory played an important role in the development of British aviation. They were the backbone of the workforce, and they helped to make the Short Brothers factory one of the most successful aircraft manufacturers in the world.

Kingsnorth Church Kent

 

Kingsnorth Church, officially known as St Michael and All Angels Church, is a Grade I listed building in the village of Kingsnorth, Kent, England. It is a beautiful example of early 13th-century Gothic architecture. The church is dedicated to Saint Michael, the archangel, and to all the angels.

History

Opens in a new windowwww.achurchnearyou.com

Kingsnorth Church

The church was built in the early 13th century, although there is evidence of an earlier church on the site. The church was built using Kentish ragstone, a local limestone. The church is cruciform in plan, with a tower and spire at the west end.

The church has been altered and extended several times over the centuries. The north aisle was added in the 15th century, and the chancel was rebuilt in the 19th century. The church was also restored in the 19th century by the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott.

Interior

Opens in a new windowfacultyonline.churchofengland.org

Kingsnorth Church Interior

The interior of the church is simple but beautiful. The walls are whitewashed, and the ceiling is vaulted. The church is home to a number of interesting features, including a 13th-century piscina, a 15th-century font, and a 19th-century pulpit.

The church also has a number of stained glass windows. The most notable window is the east window, which was designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and installed in 1898. The window depicts the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.

Today

Kingsnorth Church is a popular place for weddings and baptisms. It is also a popular tourist destination. The church is open to visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Port Victoria Medway Towns 1882-1951

 

Port Victoria was a small port and railway station located on the Isle of Grain in the Medway Estuary, Kent, England. It was opened in 1882 and closed in 1951. The port was primarily used for passenger and cargo traffic to and from the Isle of Grain, and the railway station provided a connection to the mainland.

Early History

Opens in a new windowwww.museumoftechnology.com

Port Victoria, Isle of Grain

The Isle of Grain was historically a marshy and isolated area, with limited access to the mainland. In the 19th century, there was a growing need for a more reliable and convenient way to travel to and from the island. In 1865, the North Kent Extension Railway was granted permission to build a line from the South Eastern Railway (SER) track at Gravesend across the marshes to a pier on the west bank of the Medway opposite Sheerness. However, this plan was never realized.

Development of Port Victoria

In 1880, the SER decided to build a branch line from Sharnal Street station on the Hundred of Hoo Railway to a new pier at Port Victoria. The pier was constructed using timber piles, and it extended about 400 feet (120 m) into the River Medway. The station at Port Victoria was a single-story wooden building with a platform on the pier.

The branch line to Port Victoria opened on September 11, 1882. The station was initially served by two passenger trains per day, and there was also a goods service. The port was used for a variety of cargo, including grain, timber, and coal.

World War I

During World War I, Port Victoria was used by the Royal Navy as a base for seaplanes. The Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) built a slipway at the pier for launching and retrieving seaplanes. The station was also heavily used by military personnel during the war.

Post-war Decline

After World War I, passenger traffic to Port Victoria declined steadily. The pier was damaged in a storm in 1916, and it was further damaged by an explosion on board a naval minelayer in 1915. In 1931, the pier was declared unsafe, and the station was closed. A new temporary platform was built on the landward side of the pier, but this was also closed in 1951 due to the expansion of an oil refinery.

Legacy

Port Victoria is now a ghost town. The station buildings were demolished in the 1950s, and the pier was dismantled in the 1960s. The only remaining evidence of the port is a few piles from the pier that can be seen at low tide.

Despite its short existence, Port Victoria played a significant role in the history of the Isle of Grain. It provided a vital connection to the mainland for over 70 years, and it was an important part of the island's community.

Wye in 1958

 

Here is a picture of Wye in 1958.

Opens in a new windowwww.ebay.co.uk

Wye in 1958

This photo captures the charm and tranquility of Wye in 1958. The quaint village nestled amidst the rolling hills of Kent, England, exudes a sense of timeless beauty and serenity. The photo depicts a typical scene from that era, with a horse-drawn carriage traversing the cobblestone streets, adding a touch of nostalgia to the scene.

In the background, the majestic Wye Downs rise majestically, their verdant slopes providing a picturesque backdrop to the village. The photo also showcases the village's well-preserved timber-framed buildings, their architectural features reflecting the region's rich heritage.

Overall, this photo provides a glimpse into the idyllic life in Wye in 1958, capturing the essence of a bygone era. It serves as a reminder of the timeless beauty of the English countryside and the enduring charm of traditional villages like Wye.