Kent Societies
We are very fortunate to be a county brimming with incredible heritage groups. I am keen to spread the word about these groups and promote them throughout my editorial residency.
It would be impossible to include all the groups at once, but this will be a regular segment. Over the upcoming editions, I shall include all Kent-based heritage groups who contact me. If you wish to promote your group, email me at:
craig.campbell@kentarchaeology.org.uk
I hope this may open the door for many people to join local groups and discover fascinating people with similar interests.
Barham Downs History Society
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The Barham Downs History Society seeks to encompass life in the past & present of five principal settlements in the Kent area: Adisham, Barham, Bishopsbourne, Kingston and Womenswold, with their associated hamlets and adjoining areas.
In this part of England, the North Downs has an exceptional record preserved in documents, topographic features and remarkable artefacts that demonstrates its continuous participation in the history of the region, county and nation.
Its involvement embraces contributions in literature, as represented in the works of Richard Hooker, Joseph Conrad and the Digges and Oxenden families.
Many military activities including encampments, drilling and war preparations are represented in every historic period from the Bronze Age to beyond the two World Wars.
Sport and recreation also have their own special place in the history of the area, notably cricket, golf, horse racing and motorcycle competitions.
For details on events and membership, please check the website or contact us.
https://www.barhamdownshistorysociety.org.uk/
Bridge and District History Society
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The village of Bridge, straddling the main road from Dover to Canterbury has been an important village since the Roman occupation of England.
The Society was formed in 1995 to promote interest in aspects of local history in and around the villages of Bridge, Barham, Bishopsbourne, Bekesbourne, Kingston and Patrixbourne.
The evening meetings are informal and sociable and include refreshments. Transport and/or escorts can usually be arranged with other members living nearby.
There is no charge for Membership. Members join by subscribing on the web site: www.bridgehistory.org.uk
Newsletters with advance notice of the next events will be sent out by email to all who subscribe.
On trips by member’s cars, those without transport can usually be accommodated in spare seats. Please contact the organiser of each event for arrangements.
Please check the website for further details or contact any Society officer or committee member for information on the Society and events.
http://www.bridgehistory.org.uk/
Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society
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Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society was established in 1920 to encourage the study of the history and antiquities of the City of Canterbury and surroundings and to preserve the architectural features and characteristics of the City. Its original name of Canterbury Archaeological Society was extended in 2011 to include wider Historical aspects. This served to emphasise that its remit covers all aspects of the history and development of Canterbury City.
Our president is the Lord Mayor of Canterbury. Our Vice President is Professor Paul Bennett MBE.
Currently, our principal activities are:
To arrange a series of winter and spring lectures by invited speakers on historical and archaeological subjects (non-members are welcome on payment of a small fee)
To organise summer excursions to places of historical interest
To publish booklets on topics of local historical interest
To offer small grants to support the work of those engaged in studying local historical topics
The Society is a registered charity (no. 227491). The logo, the watermark to these pages, is based on an ancient silver pilgrim’s badge held by the Canterbury Royal Museum.
See the website for more details on how to get involved in Society events and membership opportunities.
https://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/contact-us
https://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/
Fawkham and District Historical Society
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The Fawkham and District Historical Society are dedicated to the study and promotion of local history. The Society studies the history and antiquities of the local area, investigates and records evidence of historic and prehistoric remains, and holds regular meetings, lectures, discussions, working parties and visits. This covers Fawkham, Hartley, New Ash Green, Longfield, Ash and New Barn.
Some examples of lecture topics have included:
Villages along the River Darent
Life on the Thames
Madame Osterburg’s – the history of the former PE college in Dartford
The floods of 1953
Anglo-Saxons in Crayford
Christmas 1945
Meetings are held on the first Friday of the month at 7:45pm at Fawkham & Hartley Church Centre, Ash Road, Hartley DA3 8DB.
For further details of talks and visits please get in touch.
https://fawkhamparishcouncil.gov.uk/history/fawkham-and-district-historical-society/
Folkestone and District Local History Society
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The society started in 1985 when a few avid collectors of local postcards, photographs and books suggested that a local history group be formed. The inaugural meeting was on Monday 14th October 1985 at Dover College Junior School Hall in Shorncliffe Road with the first illustrated talk was given by the late Rev. Alan Gibson on Builders & Architects in Victorian Folkestone in November of the same year.
The society puts on a series of interesting local history talks throughout the year which are attended by an average of between 40 and 50 people. Also, members are welcome to get involved in research and local history projects and exhibitions.
A current project is to create a photographic record of every shop and business in Folkestone and Cheriton. If you are able to help in any way with this, please contact us.
Refreshments are available at these sociable evening meetings, and they are a great way to meet other likeminded people. Outings and dinners are also organised for the members. Meetings are now held at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Sandgate Road, on the 1st Wednesday of the month.
See the website for details on events and membership opportunities.
https://www.folkestonehistory.org/
The Leigh and District Historical Society
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Leigh, three miles west of Tonbridge, is thought to have grown from a hamlet that dates to the late 11th century.
The Leigh and District Historical Society was founded with two main objectives:
To provide an annual programme of meetings with presentations on historical subjects connected to Leigh, together with presentations on subjects of both county and national interest.
To maintain and add to our archive of local historical material and to make this available both to residents and historians in general. The website makes some of this material available online. Some of our archive material is only available from the archive itself. The society undertake limited research in its Archives with available records where we have some information on individual names and places.
Our website has some transcriptions of documents, such as the old churchyard, Leigh vestry minutes 1823-1844; we have indexes to Leigh baptisms, marriages and burials from 1813, and we have the Colyer Ferguson Index of BMDs pre-1813. The original registers are either with Leigh Church or Kent Archives.
To find out more, or to join the Leigh and District Historical Society please contact us. Full details of the events programme can be found on the website.
https://www.leighhistorical.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/
https://www.leighhistorical.org.uk/
Oaten Hill and South Canterbury Association
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We are fortunate to live in the beautiful and historic city of Canterbury, and we seek to preserve and enhance this unique heritage. The Oaten Hill & South Canterbury Association aims to support and improve the quality of life of our community of approximately 2,000 households. We cover an area south-east of the city walls, from Rhodaus Town to Lady Wootton’s Green, Pilgrims Way and east to Churchill Road along the New Dover Road, and south to Ridlands Farm, including South Canterbury Road, Nunnery Road and Oaten Hill.
We systematically scrutinise planning applications in our area, and we review and comment on environmental issues such as air quality and the provision of open space. Our members are kept informed about these developments through our weekly emails on planning applications, and our quarterly Newsletters. We support special interest groups on local history and gardening, and our Green Team organises tree planting, litter picking and other activities which enhance the appearance and environmental integrity of the area. We organise a wide range of social events and activities which we hope brings the community closer together.
New members are always welcome, as is anyone who is interested to help with activities. We also have vacant positions on the Committee and would welcome members with fresh ideas to stand for them. For a friendly chat and information do contact the OHSCA Secretary.
The Ramsgate Society
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Since 1964, we’ve been dedicated to preserving and enhancing Ramsgate’s unique heritage and environment. The society stimulates public interest in, and care for the beauty, history and character of the town and its surroundings. Join us in celebrating and safeguarding the beauty and character of Ramsgate!
The Society was formed in 1964 to save valued historic buildings from demolition and has continued to campaign for the town’s architectural heritage. Today the Society works with schools, community groups and charities on activities that include tree planting, litter picking, landscaping, town planning and design, signage, transport, parking, wildlife, nature, sport and leisure, coastal issues and public talks. The Society is a partner in the Ramsgate Heritage Action Zone created by Historic England in 2017 using the town’s heritage assets to support Ramsgate’s economic and cultural regeneration.
The Society aims to benefit the current and future citizens of Ramsgate by protecting and enhancing the quality of the built and natural environment, promoting the history and heritage of the town and pursuing these objectives by means of campaigns, meetings, exhibitions, lectures, publications and the promotion of projects of a charitable nature.
By becoming a member of The Ramsgate Society, you help to support the work we do to benefit the current and future citizens of Ramsgate.
https://ramsgate-society.org.uk/contact/
https://ramsgate-society.org.uk/
Stanford and Westenhanger History Society
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Welcome to The Stanford and Westenhanger History Society. As two small villages divided by a motorway and mainline railway, they play an important part in the history of the County of Kent.
Over the centuries Stanford and Westenhanger have seen many changes to their environment. The area has been occupied by people since early Roman times, through the medieval period, then dominated by the Churches, to Royalty taking over ownership of the fortified manor of Westenhanger Castle. The arrival of the railway, the brick factory and the area's main source of income, farming, all made changes to the villages. The area is steeped in history.
The History Society has been formed to gather as much information about the area as possible for the sake of future generations and their interest in our history. Many people have spent only a short time living in the villages and we would like to appeal to them for their photos or stories. Those who went to the local school, those who were married in the lovely church or any connection they may have had with the area over the years, would be welcomed.
The Society engages in several types of activity, including surveys, talks, research and archiving. If you would like to join the Society, members get free admission to talks and unique opportunities to engage in all the Societies activities. To join, come along to a talk or contact us.
https://www.stanfordhistorykent.org.uk/contacts/
https://www.stanfordhistorykent.org.uk/
Tenterden and District Local History Society
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The Tenterden and District Local History Society is a friendly group with many members. Membership is open to all who are interested in the history of Tenterden and its surroundings. We offer a wide range of activities throughout the year. Visitors are always welcome. The Society is organised by a wholly voluntary committee of officers, elected by the members.
Coffee Mornings are open to members & non-members. Bring your friends! We have been compiling local Scrapbooks of Tenterden for over 50 years, and these will be on display, amongst other items of interest. The scrapbooks make a fascinating record of events as seen at the time by local newspapers, with periodicals and photographs.
Our newsletters offer original & fascinating topics of local interest, sent out directly to our members.
The Tenterden and District Local History Society maintains a dedicated local history library collection available for research for members use, housed at Tenterden Museum.
In the summer months the Society organises visits to local places of interest. Past excursions have included for example, Lullingstone Castle, Smallhythe Dig, the Churches of Romney Marsh and guided tours of our delightful and historic Tenterden High Street.
To join the Society, you may attend any event and join at the door or contact us via the website or online.