Thursday, November 30, 2023

The Red Lion Rochester

 The Red Lion has been a popular pub in Rochester, Kent, for centuries. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century, and it has been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a drink and a meal.

The Red Lion was originally known as the "Henne" or "Hen House". It was renamed the "Red Lion" in the 16th century, in honor of King Henry VIII. The pub has undergone a number of renovations over the years, but it has always retained its traditional charm and character.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Red Lion was a popular stopping point for travelers and stagecoaches. The pub was also a popular place for locals to gather and socialize.

In the 20th century, the Red Lion continued to be a popular pub. However, in the 1970s, the pub began to decline, as it faced competition from newer and more modern pubs in the area.

In the 1980s, the Red Lion was closed down and demolished. The site of the pub is now a car park.

The Red Lion was a popular and well-loved pub, and it is a shame that it is no longer in existence. However, the pub's memory lives on in the hearts of those who remember it.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

The New Inn Eltham

 


The New Inn was one of the oldest public houses in Elham, Kent. It is believed to have been built in the 16th century, and it was originally known as the "Bull and Butcher".

The New Inn was a popular stop for travelers and locals alike, and it was known for its hearty food and friendly atmosphere. The pub was also home to a number of social events, including dances, parties, and meetings of the local cricket club.

In the 1930s, the New Inn was a popular destination for tourists, who were drawn to the village's charm and beauty. The pub was also a popular place for locals to gather and socialize.

During World War II, the New Inn was used as a billet for soldiers. The pub was also a popular place for soldiers to relax and socialize.

After the war, the New Inn continued to be a popular pub. However, in the 1970s, the pub began to decline, as it faced competition from newer and more modern pubs in the area.

In the 1980s, the New Inn was closed down and demolished. The site of the pub is now a car park.

The New Inn was a popular and well-loved pub, and it is a shame that it is no longer in existence. However, the pub's memory lives on in the hearts of those who remember it.

Ightham Village 1940

 


Ightham Village, Kent, is a beautiful village with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The village is situated in the heart of the Kent Downs, and it is known for its charming thatched cottages, picturesque gardens, and abundance of wildlife.

In the 1940s, Ightham Village was a quiet and peaceful community. The village was largely unaffected by the Second World War, and it continued to be a popular destination for tourists and day-trippers.

One of the most notable landmarks in Ightham Village is Ightham Mote, a medieval moated manor house that was built in the 14th century. The house is open to the public, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into life in the Middle Ages.

Another important landmark in Ightham Village is the Church of St. Mary, which was built in the 12th century. The church is a Grade I listed building and is one of the most important churches in the Kent Downs.

In the 1950s, Ightham Village began to see a gradual increase in tourism. The village's charm and beauty attracted more and more visitors, and the village began to develop a reputation as a popular destination for weekend breaks and holidays.

Today, Ightham Village is a thriving community with a strong sense of identity. The village is still a popular destination for tourists, and it is also home to a number of businesses and amenities. Ightham Village is a great place to visit and experience the beauty and history of the Kent countryside.

Walderslade

 


Walderslade, a district of Chatham, Kent, has a rich and varied history dating back to the early medieval period. The area was first settled by the Saxons in the 5th century AD, and it was known as "Walderstede" or "Walders' Enclosure".

In the 11th century, the Normans conquered England and built a number of castles and fortifications in the area, including Upnor Castle and Rochester Castle. These fortifications helped to protect Walderslade from attack, and they also played a role in the development of the area.

In the Middle Ages, Walderslade became a important center of agriculture and trade. The River Medway was a major waterway, and it was used to transport goods and people to and from the area. The area was also home to a number of manor houses and farms, which produced food for the local population and for export.

Walderslade continued to be a important center of industry and trade during the Industrial Revolution. The development of the steam engine led to a boom in shipbuilding, and Walderslade became a major center of naval power. The area also saw the development of a number of other industries, including engineering, glassmaking, and brewing.

In the 20th century, Walderslade faced a number of challenges, including the decline of traditional industries and the impact of two world wars. However, the area has also undergone a period of regeneration in recent years. Walderslade is now a diverse and vibrant district with a strong economy and a rich history.

Here are some of the key events in the history of Walderslade:

  • 5th century AD: The Saxons settle the area and call it "Walderstede" or "Walders' Enclosure".
  • 11th century AD: The Normans conquer England and build a number of castles and fortifications in the area.
  • 12th century AD: Walderslade becomes a important center of agriculture and trade.
  • 16th century AD: The Royal Naval Dockyard is established in Chatham, and Walderslade becomes a major center of shipbuilding.
  • 17th century AD: Walderslade continues to be a important center of shipbuilding.
  • 18th century AD: Walderslade sees the development of a number of other industries, including engineering, glassmaking, and brewing.
  • 20th century AD: Walderslade faces a number of challenges, including the decline of traditional industries and the impact of two world wars.
  • 21st century AD: Walderslade undergoes a period of regeneration, and it is now a diverse and vibrant district with a strong economy and a rich history.

Walderslade is a fascinating place with a rich history. It is a great place to visit and learn about the history of the Medway area.

Luton Village Medway

 Luton village, Chatham, Kent, is a small and charming village with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It was originally known as "Luton Magna" or "Great Luton" to distinguish it from the nearby village of Luton Parva or "Little Luton". The village is situated on the River Medway, and it has been a important port and trading center for centuries.

The village is home to a number of historical buildings, including St. Michael's Church, which was built in the 12th century. The church is a Grade I listed building and is one of the most important buildings in the village.

Luton village was also home to a number of shipyards during the 17th and 18th centuries. These shipyards built a number of warships for the British Royal Navy, including the HMS Victory, which was Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The village is also home to a number of other industries, including shipbuilding, engineering, glassmaking, and brewing. The village is now a popular tourist destination, and it is home to a number of pubs, restaurants, and shops.

Here are some of the key events in the history of Luton village:

  • 11th century: The village is founded.
  • 12th century: St. Michael's Church is built.
  • 17th century: The village becomes an important shipbuilding center.
  • 18th century: The village continues to be an important shipbuilding center.
  • 20th century: The village faces a number of challenges, including the decline of traditional industries and the impact of two world wars.
  • 21st century: The village undergoes a period of regeneration, and it is now a popular tourist destination.

Luton village is a fascinating place with a rich history. It is a great place to visit and learn about the history of the Medway area.

Medway even further back in time

 Medway's history dates back to the pre-historic era, with evidence of human settlements dating back to around 8,000 BC. The area was initially inhabited by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, followed by Neolithic farmers. During the Bronze Age, Medway was home to a number of hill forts, which were used for defense and as settlements.

In the Iron Age, the area was ruled by the Celtic tribe of the Trinovantes. The Trinovantes were a powerful tribe who controlled much of southern England, and they built a number of settlements in the Medway area. One of the most important settlements was Rochester, which was founded in around 50 BC.

After the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD, the Medway area was incorporated into the Roman province of Britannia. The Romans built a number of roads and forts in the area, and they also established a number of towns, including Rochester and Chatham. The Romans also introduced a number of new technologies and customs to the area, which had a lasting impact on the region's culture and identity.

After the departure of the Romans in the 5th century AD, the Medway area was ruled by a succession of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The area was eventually incorporated into the Kingdom of England in the 9th century AD. During this period, the Medway area was a center of agriculture and trade. The River Medway was a major waterway, and it was used for transporting goods and people.

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought a new era to the Medway area. The Normans built a number of castles and fortifications in the area, including Rochester Castle and Upnor Castle. The Normans also established a number of monasteries and churches, including St. Mary's Church in Chatham.

In the Middle Ages, the Medway area was a major center of shipbuilding and maritime trade. The Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham was founded in the 16th century, and it became one of the most important shipyards in the world. The Medway area was also a major center of ropemaking, sailmaking, and other maritime industries.

The Medway area continued to be a important center of industry and trade during the Industrial Revolution. The development of the steam engine led to a boom in shipbuilding, and the Medway area became a major center of naval power. The area also saw the development of a number of other industries, including engineering, glassmaking, and brewing.

In the 20th century, the Medway area faced a number of challenges, including the decline of traditional industries and the impact of two world wars. However, the area has also undergone a period of regeneration in recent years. The Medway area is now a diverse and vibrant region with a strong economy and a rich history.

Here are some specific events that occurred in Medway during the 1st century:

  • The Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD.
  • The construction of Rochester Castle in 604 AD.
  • The founding of St. Mary's Church in Chatham in 670 AD.
  • The construction of the Medway Bridge in 1361 AD.
  • The launching of the HMS Royal William in 1695 AD.
  • The establishment of the Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham in the 16th century.

These events reflect the importance of Medway as a settlement and a center of trade and industry. The area has a long and rich history, and it continues to play an important role in the modern world.

Medway in 1096

 


Medway in 1096 was a small but important settlement on the River Medway in Kent, England. The town was strategically located near the River Thames and the North Downs, and it was a key staging post for the First Crusade.

The town was founded by the Normans in the 11th century, and it quickly grew in importance as a trading center. The River Medway was a major waterway, and Medway was well-positioned to trade with other ports along the coast and inland.

The town was also home to a number of important religious buildings, including St. Mary's Church, which was the only church in Medway at the time.

In 1096, Medway was one of the embarkation points for the First Crusade. Thousands of soldiers and pilgrims gathered in the town before setting sail for the Holy Land.

The First Crusade was a major event in medieval history, and it had a profound impact on Medway. The town became a center of pilgrimage and trade, and it continued to grow in importance in the centuries that followed.

Here are some specific events that occurred in Medway during 1096:

  • The construction of St. Mary's Church began.
  • The town was granted a market charter.
  • The town was fortified with a castle and walls.

These events reflect the growing importance of Medway as a settlement. The town was becoming a more important center of trade and religion, and it was also becoming more secure.

Medway in 1096 was a small but important town with a bright future. The town was well-positioned for growth and prosperity, and it has played a significant role in English history ever since.

Medway in 1695

 Medway in 1695 was a bustling maritime hub, with the Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham at its heart. The town was also home to a number of other industries, including shipbuilding, ropemaking, and sailmaking.

The population of Medway was around 12,000 in 1695. The town was well-fortified, with a number of castles and forts protecting it from attack.

Life in Medway in 1695 was hard work, but it was also lively and full of character. The town was a melting pot of people from all over England, as well as from Europe and the Americas. There were a number of public houses, alehouses, and taverns, where sailors and townspeople would gather to drink, eat, and talk.

Here are some specific events that occurred in Medway during 1695:

  • The completion of the Medway Bridge, the first bridge across the Medway River.
  • The launch of the HMS Royal William, the first British ship of the line to be built with a flush deck.
  • The construction of the Upnor Castle, a coastal fortification built to protect the Chatham Dockyard.

These events reflect the importance of Medway as a maritime center in 1695. The town was a hub of shipbuilding and naval activity, and it played a vital role in the defence of the British Empire.

Medway in 1695 was a fascinating place, full of history and character. The town was a key player in the maritime world of the 17th century, and its legacy can still be seen today in the many historical buildings and landmarks that remain.

medway in 1900

 


The Medway towns were a thriving center of industry and commerce in 1900. The Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham was one of the largest employers in the area, and shipbuilding and engineering were major industries. The towns were also home to a number of other industries, including textiles, glassmaking, and brewing.

The population of the Medway towns was growing rapidly in 1900, as people were drawn to the area's opportunities for work. The towns were also becoming increasingly diverse, as people from all over the country and the world settled in the area.

Despite the economic and social challenges of the time, the Medway towns were a vibrant and prosperous place in 1900. The towns were home to a thriving arts and culture scene, and there were a number of public parks and open spaces. The towns were also well-served by public transport, with a network of tramways and railways.

Here are some specific events that occurred in Medway during 1900:

  • The HMS Scorpion, the first Royal Navy submarine to be powered by a steam turbine, was launched in Chatham.
  • The Chatham Dockyard School of Naval Architecture was established.
  • The Medway News, a local newspaper, was founded.
  • The Chatham and Rochester Canal was opened.
  • The Medway Valley was declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

These events reflect the dynamism and growth of Medway in 1900. The towns were a hub of innovation and progress, and they were well-positioned for continued growth and prosperity in the years to come.

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