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.
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Chatham Historical Society
The Chatham Historical Society was founded in 1950. Its objectives are to bring together those who are interested in the history and archaeology of the Medway Towns and the immediate surrounding area, and to record and disseminate material relating to the history of this area.
The society holds monthly meetings at St Stephen’s Church, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6JE, at which guest speakers talk about subjects of historical and/or local interest. All the meetings are open to the public, and visitors are very welcome. See the Meetings webpage for details. In addition to the monthly meetings the society participates in events and visits.
chatham.historicalsoc@gmail.com
www.chathamhistoricalsoc.chessck.co.uk/
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Cranbrook Museum & Local History Society
Cranbrook Museum & Local History Society seeks to promote an interest in Cranbrook and all aspects of its history. It manages the Museum and holds regular meetings during the winter months plus special summer events and exhibitions.
The Society has published and offers for sale many books relating to Cranbrook local history. Also, the annual Cranbrook Journal and index to all years from 1988 listing all articles and contributors.
New Members are always welcome. Membership of Cranbrook Museum and Local History Society entitles you to access to the museum and extensive archives, monthly evening meetings October to May, summer visits to local places of interest, receive a copy of the annual Cranbrook Journal plus two Newsletters each year.
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Crayford Manor House Historical Society
Crayford Manor House Historical & Archaeological Society held its inaugural meeting on the 19th April 1961. It was at this meeting that a Committee and Officers were appointed.
The first Chairman was LT Col G.W Meates FSA, who was well known locally at that time for his archaeological work on the Lullingstone Roman Villa. The society continues to arrange winter lectures and day excursions to a wide variety of destinations.
Members receive a printed Newsletter twice a year, which includes details of our trips and lectures, and they are encouraged to submit short articles which could be, for example, on an interesting trip or point of local interest.
Visitors are most welcome to attend lectures for a small charge.
janet.hearn-gillham@ntlworld.com
www.crayfordmanorhousehistoricalsociety.yolasite.com
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The Deal Society
The Deal Society works to keep Deal and Walmer unique. Every town faces changes which may be positive or negative. The society exists to monitor those changes and to work for positive outcomes.
The society appreciate the charm of this largely 17th and 18th century town. Historically the society came into being to protect and conserve that charm when it was under threat. They continue to campaign to maintain the character of the town, including specific buildings which may be under threat. For example, they campaigned to reopen the Astor Theatre and the Regent Cinema.
The society are a member of Civic Voice which informs on changes in planning law and other national issues. Through national and regional bodies, they have contributed to changes to the Localism Act and the National Planning Framework.
The Deal Heritage website has more information on Deal and Walmer’s history and associated events. The Deal Society newsletter is published every month.
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The Dover Society
The Dover Society were Founded in 1988 to promote high standards of planning and architecture, to interest and inform the public in geography, history, archaeology, natural history and the architecture of the area, and to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest.
The society works on behalf of Dover and offers a commitment to the belief that a good environment is a good investment.
The area the society covers is comprised of Dover Town Council, Guston Parish Council, Hougham Without Parish Council, Langdon Parish Council, Lydden Parish Council, River Parish Council, St. Margaret’s at Cliff Parish Council, Temple Ewell Parish Council and Whitfield Parish Council.
All members of the society receive three Newsletters a year and in each year the Committee organises about ten interesting events including talks, tours, visits, Members’ Meetings and usually a Christmas Feast.
The Society offers awards for improvements to the area, monitors planning proposals and supports, joins in or initiates civic projects and arts events.
https://thedoversociety.co.uk/
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Dymchurch and District Heritage Group
The aim of the Dymchurch and District Heritage Group is to preserve the history of Dymchurch and District for future generations. The Group was formed in January 2010 with the following objectives:
• To further local history research in Dymchurch and the surrounding villages on Romney Marsh.
• To build an archive accessible to the membership and interested members of the public.
• To publicise the local history of the area.
• To raise funds, apply for grants and accept donations to acquire and preserve items of interest.
Meetings are held regularly at the Methodist Church, High Street, Dymchurch and the Group has its own Heritage Room at the rear of the building. New members are always welcome.
dymchurchheritagegroup@gmail.com
https://romneymarshhistory.co.uk/ddhg
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The Elham Historical Society
The Elham Historical Society was formed in 2011. The group’s main aims are to record and archive Elham’s rich history for future generations.
The society hold events for members and the public to show the work completed by the group. These events are advertised on the Calendar webpage and entry is at a reduced rate to members.
A Newsletter is also produced on a quarterly basis to keep members informed of the progress made with projects and they welcome any articles that members may wish to submit. Suggested subjects might include “The History of My House” or perhaps “My Family in Elham” and could range from short stories from the recent past to in depth research articles.
Membership Forms are available on the FAQ webpage, together with a launch flyer.
www.ehs.elham.co.uk/index.html
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Folkestone & District Family History Society
The Folkestone and District Family History Society was founded in 1976 to encourage and promote the study of family history in the Southeast Kent area. It provides advice and assistance to members with Southeast Kent ancestry and elsewhere and welcomes the beginner and the more experienced family historian alike.
They meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm in All Souls Church Hall, Cheriton, Folkestone, CT19 4HA. The society’s programme includes speakers on subjects of interest, as well as discussion and project sessions, informal exchange of advice and information and shopping at the bookstall. A guided walk of a place of local historical interest is arranged in the summer.
The Society participates in projects to transcribe and index local source material and has strong links with the Folkestone Heritage Room. Projects include transcribing monumental inscriptions in local churchyards and documents at local archives.
The journal “The Kentish Connection”, published quarterly and free to members, contains articles by members and information on various family history topics.
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The Hadlow Historical Society
The Hadlow Historical Society is for people with an interest in Hadlow’s History, to share stories, pictures and family history connections to our ancient village of Hadlow and Golden Green.
The Society explores the local history of Hadlow village through illustrated talks and research into local heritage. They cover topics ranging from medieval studies and Hadlow Castle to the village’s agricultural and social history, often sharing stories of residents.
Meetings are held at St. Mary’s Church, Hadlow, TN11 0DJ, frequently featuring talks on local or general historical interest. The society explores Hadlow’s development, including the Saxon “den” origins, industrial history (breweries/brickmaking), and notable buildings.
The society often collaborates with local councils and historical groups. New members and visitors are welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hadlowhistoricalsociety
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Halling Historical Society
Halling Historical Society is for anyone of any age in the village of Halling, Kent, England, and surrounding areas, who is interested in local history, especially about Kent and the Medway Valley.
The Society organises a public programme each year of talks, walks and visits of local historical interest. Talks are usually free to members and take place at least every two months mostly on a Monday evening at the Jubilee Hall, Browndens Road, Upper Halling, ME2 1JH. Some talks take place at the location of the subject so check carefully in the programme.
The Society was formed in 1985 and is run voluntarily by its members who appoint a committee annually. Talks usually include a break for refreshments and a raffle.
A society project in 2021 was to place a historic blue plaque on the house in Halling High Street from where the village local World War 1 hero, Sergeant Thomas Harris VC MM enlisted in 1914, aged 22. In 2025 the Society has placed blue historic heritage plaques on thirteen of the oldest buildings in the village to develop a Halling History Trail.
www.hallinghistory.co.uk/community/halling-historical-society-18475/home/
