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Affiliates

Affiliates of the Society

A number of historical and archaeological groups throughout Kent are Affiliate Members of the Society.

 

Affiliate membership

Groups carrying out similar work to the Society receive a copy of the member publications, can send a voting member to general meetings, make use of the Society's survey equipment including GNSS and magnetometer, and their members can usually receive the same discounts. Contact

 

 

Ashford Archaeological Society

Founded in 1920. Registered charity no. 802043. Meets 7.30pm, third Monday each month September to May. ashfordarchhist.org

 

 

 

 

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. barhamdownshistorysociety.org.uk

 

 

 

Bearsted & District Local History Society

Formed 15th May 1936. Meets at the Memorial Hall in Manor Rise, Bearsted at 7.30pm on the last Friday of each month from September to November and January to May hosting a varied programme of speakers. Members pay a modest annual subscription and new members are welcome. Contact

 

 

 

Biddenden Local History Society

Between 700 and 900 AD the area of the present Biddenden parish contained a number of separate 'dens' or small clearings in the great forest of Andred frequented by freemen and swineherds. Biddenden was probably the den used by the family and followers of Bidda. biddendenkent.co.uk

 

 

 

Brenchley & Matfield Local History Society

The Society was founded in 1971 and since then it has thrived with a membership of over 100, encouraging an interest in both local and national history. It is affiliated to, and works in close collaboration with, the Parish Archive. brenchleymatfieldhistsoc.com

 

 

 

Bromley Borough Local History Society

Formed in 1974 so those with an interest in the history of the people, events and places that make up London's largest borough could meet to exchange information and learn more about the long and fascinating story that makes up the London Borough of Bromley and all its constituent parts. bblhs.org.uk

 

 

 

Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society

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.’ canterbury-archaeology.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Charing Local History Society

A very friendly and sociable group, we aim to promote an active interest in local history. Talks cover a wide range of subjects from a variety of speakers charinghistory.co.uk

 

 

 

Cinque Ports Detecting Club

Sandwich's first ever metal detecting club, with a passion for responsibly unearthing historical coins and artefacts from pre-Roman times to more recent times. Facebook

 

 

 

City of Rochester Society

Founded in 1967 to help conserve the historic City as a pleasant place to visit. city-of-rochester.org.uk

 

 

 

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 cranbrookmuseum.org

 

 

 

Crayford Manor House Historical Society

The inaugural meeting was held on the 19th April 1961. We now meet at the Baker Trust Hall in Crayford; there is ample parking and it is easily accessible by public transport. crayfordmanorhousehistoricalsociety.yolasite.com

 

 

 

 

Dartford District Archaeological Group (DDAG)

Founded by enthusiast Roger Walsh in December 1972 as a spin-off from an adult education course. The group undertakes field work in the Dartford area, and highlights of the group’s work include the discovery of a complete glass bowl at an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Darenth. Contact

 

 

 

 

Dartford Historical and Antiquarian Society

The inaugural meeting was on Monday 3rd October 1910 at Buck’s Rooms, High Street, Dartford. All that is required to become a member is an interest in the history of our locality. Included in the Annual Subscription are a winter programme of lectures and the Newsletter. dartfordhistorical.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Discover Roman Otford Project

D.R.O.P. are a small group of amateur archaeologists with a variety of skills and experience. From total beginners, to diggers who have spent most of their lives in holes in the ground, we spend our time uncovering the Roman past hidden beneath fields in the local area of Otford, Kent. romanotford.org

 

 

 

 

Dover Archaeological Group

The Dover Society work together with local government and other organisations to assist with the preservation of the historic town of Dover. They are passionate about Dover’s past, present and future. archaeology.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Dymchurch & District Heritage Group (DDHG)

Formed in January 2010 after an initial meeting in the previous October where we asked the villagers their thoughts on forming a Heritage Group. The response was fantastic and we have gone from strength to strength with a strong membership. Facebook

 

 

 

 

Farningham and Eynsford Local History Society

Formed in 1985 by a small group of enthusiasts anxious to research and preserve the history of their locality before it was lost as a result of the increasing pace of life and the throw-away society in which we now live. felhs.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Faversham Society

If you love Faversham, join us. We seek to Cherish the Past, Adorn the Present, Create for the Future. favershamsociety.org

 

 

 

 

 

Folkestone Research & Archaeology Group (FRAG)

We are a group who are interested in archaeology and the heritage of Folkestone and the surrounding areas. Having met as volunteers on a major dig in the area, we decided to create a group that focuses on this area of Kent. folkarch.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Frittenden Historical Society

Founded in 1975, we aim to educate and entertain with talks and presentations about the local history of Frittenden and the Weald of Kent, together with Kent county history. frittendenhistoricalsociety.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Gravesend Historical Society

Founded in 1924. Wide interests including research, surveys of sites and buildings, rights of way and footpath walks. ghs.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Halling Historical Society

Halling Historical Society (HHS) 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. hallinghistory.co.uk

 

 

 

Headcorn Local History Society

The Local History Societies Archive is situated in Headcorn Village Hall. It consists of a large number of photographs dating back to the 19th century. The society also has a considerable number of old Headcorn family’s information. headcornvillagehall.com

 

 

Herne & Broomfield Local History Group

Formed in 2003 to encourage an active interest in the local history of Herne, Broomfield and the immediate surrounding area. In addition to our regular meetings, we are involved in research projects, produce publications and are building up an archive of local material. sites.google.com

 

 

 

 

Herne Bay Historical Records Society (HBHRS)

The HBHRS is flourishing and maintains contact with its members by means of talks during the winter months and excursions to places of interest during the summer. hbhrs.org

 

 

 

Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne

Set up in 2004 by a group of local volunteer historians sharing a passion for history, in particular for our local heritage. We run group research projects and support members with their individual research interests. hrgs.co.uk

 

 

Horton Kirby & South Darenth Local History Society

The Horton Kirby & South Darenth Local History Society was founded in 1995 after the publication by the Parish Council of the Centenary Book. Since then the Society has met regularly in the Village Hall and regularly publishes books and leaflets about the area. hksdlhs.org.uk

 

 

Hythe Civic Society

We are a society of Hythe residents who share an interest in our community, its built environment and its open spaces. Our membership amounts to about 5% of the population (one of the highest listed by Civic Voice), demonstrating that civic pride is very much alive in Hythe. hythecivicsociety.org

 

 

Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society

A society based in east Kent for archaeology enthusiasts of all ages! Facebook

 

 

 

Kemsing Heritage Centre Association

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kemsing is at the foot of the North Downs in the County of Kent. There are footpaths to the Kemsing Nature Reserve and the North Downs Way, with far reaching panoramic views. kemsingheritagecentre.org.uk

 

 

 

Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

A nationally protected landscape stretching from the white cliffs of Dover to the Surrey and London border. With ancient bluebell woodlands, rugged chalk coastline, internationally rare chalk grassland, and ragstone villages there is beauty to explore all year round. kentdowns.org.uk

 

 

 

Kent Family History Society

Kent Family History Society has a long tradition of helping researchers find out more about family, local and social history in Kent. Our quarterly journal publishes news and articles with Kent connections and explores resources and approaches to research issues. kfhs.org.uk

 

 

 

Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society

Our geographical area of interest is the southern region of the London Borough of Bexley in north west Kent, comprising Sidcup, Blackfen, Foots Cray and North Cray. Our interest in local history extends beyond the boundaries of Sidcup, reflected in the variety of our meetings. lam-sid-lhs.co.uk

 

 

 

Leigh & District Historical Society

Leigh, three miles west of Tonbridge, is thought to have grown from a hamlet that dates to the late 11th century. You can find here access to the Society’s archives as well as articles which have been written by members for the Leigh Parish Magazine. leighhistorical.org.uk

 

 

 

Lenham Heritage Society

Welcome to the parish of Lenham, the village with its medieval market square, the chalky hillside of the Kent Downs above it, the heath with its open skies and the fruitful land of Liverton. We invite you for a stroll through Lenham's history and heritage. heritagelenham.co.uk

 

 

 

Loose Area History Society

Meets the second Wednesday each month October to May at 7.30 PM at King George V Pavilion, Walnut Tree Lane, Loose. A programme of lectures on historical subjects is not necessarily confined to Loose and its immediate area but generally of a ‘local’ flavour. looseareahistorysociety.org.uk

 

 

 

Lyminge Historical Society

Formed in 1971. The main activity of the Society is the presentation of monthly talks between March and June then again between September and December. lymingehistoricalsociety.co.uk

 

 

 

Maidstone Area Archaeological Group (MAAG)

Registered charity (No. 275899) funded by membership fees and donations. We were founded in 1969 in order to promote archaeological research in the Maidstone area, co-ordinate archaeological research and publish the results. maag.chessck.co.uk

 

 

 

Malling U3A Landscape History Group

What were people doing in your village/part of town 50/100/500 years ago, and how has the landscape influenced development? The group meet on the 1st & 3rd Friday of the month at 2pm. mallingdistrictu3a.org.uk

 

 

 

Mid Kent Metal Detecting Club

Mid Kent Metal Detector Club was formed in 1977 and has gone from strength to strength. Have you ever wondered about the history of your land? We would be grateful to hear from you. We also offer a free recovery service. midkentmdc.org.uk

 

 

 

North West Kent Family History Society

Membership is open to anyone, anywhere in the world and you will receive our quarterly journal mailed direct. You can attend the monthly meetings held at each of our two branches (Dartford and Sevenoaks) at no extra cost, can purchase books and listen to a wide variety of talks. nwkfhs.org.uk

 

 

 

Orpington and District Archaeological Society

We are an active local volunteer archaeology group and registered charity with a field headquarters at Scadbury Park, Chislehurst, in the London Borough of Bromley. odas.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Plaxtol Local History Group

Founded in 1983 by Jayne Semple and Mollie Lewis, aiming to help us all to understand and enjoy aspects of our village and parish history and that of the surrounding areas from the houses and architecture to the people, their livelihoods and the landscape. plaxtollocalhistory.wordpress.com

 

 

 

Rainham Historical Society

Rainham is one of the Medway Towns in North Kent which also includes Gillingham, Chatham and Rochester. rainham-history.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Phoenix Detecting Group

Meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cricketers Public House, River, Dover, Kent. metaldetectingforum.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Sevenoaks Historical Society

Formed in 1996 from the History Section of The Sevenoaks Society. It is an independent body registered as a separate charity. It is also affiliated with the Kent History Federation. sevenoakshistory.org.uk

 

 

 

Shepherdswell & Coldred History Society

The society normally holds monthly meetings and regular talks at Shepherdswell Village Hall. shepherdswellhistory.org

 

 

 

 

Shoreham Historical Society

Set beside the river Darent where it cuts through the North Downs on its way to the Thames, Shoreham is a village and parish of just over two thousand inhabitants about five miles north of Sevenoaks in west Kent. shorehamkenthistory.weebly.com

 

 

 

Smarden Local History Society

We carry out research into the history of Smarden. Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

Snodland Historical Society

Formed in 1997 and since 2000 its collections have been held at Snodland Millennium Museum. snodlandhistory.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Speldhurst Parish History Society

Speldhurst Parish has a rich history that spans back centuries. Our archaeological site takes you on a journey through time, where you can discover the ancient artifacts and hidden treasures that tell the story of our community. sphsociety.com

 

 

 

Stelling Minnis & Upper Hardres Historical Society

The Historical Society was originally formed in the 1980s by a keen local historian, the late Alwyne Hawkins. Members initiated a number of research projects including a buildings survey, studies of local wills and the like. stelling-minnis.co.uk

 

 

 

Studying History & Archaeology in Lympne

Passionate individuals committed to uncovering the hidden stories of our village, making history come alive for everyone to enjoy. lympneparishcouncil.gov.uk

 

 

 

Tenterden & District Local History Society

We are a friendly group with many members, and offer a wide range of activities throughout the year; visitors are always welcome. Membership is open to all who are interested in the history of Tenterden and its surroundings. tenterdenhistory.co.uk

 

 

 

The London Library

Founded in 1841, The London Library is one of the world's leading literary institutions. We house a collection of around one million volumes. londonlibrary.co.uk

 

 

 

The Staplehurst Society

Custodian of the Staplehurst Archive. You are welcome to visit and to inspect our holdings. We are also on the lookout for new material; if you have something you would like to donate, please contact us via the Parish Office. staplehurstsociety.org

 

 

The White Cliffs Metal Detecting Club

Meet every 1st Tuesday of the month at the Cricketers Public House River, Dover Kent. ukdetectornet.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Tonbridge Historical Society

Tonbridge Historical Society brings together people with interests in all aspects of the subject, for talks and other activities. New members are always welcome. tonbridgehistory.org.uk

 

 

 

Trust for Thanet Archaeology

A charitable trust that provides educational activities to the community and maintains the Virtual Museum of Thanet's Archaeology. thanetarch.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Weald of Kent Protection Society

Aims to ptoect and enhance the character and development of the Wealden towns, villages and countryside, to safeguard the amenities, and to cultivate a wider interest in and care for the beauty, history and character of the Weald. wkps.org.uk

 

 

 

West Kent Detector Club

Formed in late 1978/early 1979 by two enthusiastic metal detectorists Stephen Johnston and John Williams, since then the Club has expanded and grown in terms of members & activities! wkdc.co.uk

 

 

 

Wychling, Doddington & Newnham Historical Research Group

Doddington is a quiet rural English village located in the Syndale Valley in the Kent Downs (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

 

 

 

Wye Heritage

Make new friends, join our community and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Kent village of Wye and Wye College. wyeheritage.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Wye Historical Society

Founded in January 1948 to promote enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, local history. Monthly talks held in the Joanna Thornhill School from October to April on the first Wednesday of the month. During the summer months excursions are also offered. wyehistoricalsociety.org.uk