Kent Ramblers: Walk 124

Points of Interest

Tenterden

Tenterden has a charm all of its own. The broad high street is lined with properties that bear testimony to the town's affluence from the wool trade. The varied architectural styles blend well together and display the full range of building materials typical of the Weald ' red brick and hanging tiles reflecting the iron content of the Wealden clay and white weatherboarding introduced when Scandinavian timber imports became cheap. The church in contrast is made from 'Bethersden marble', actually a local freshwater limestone found amongst the Wealden clay. The church tower is very ornate, supporting the legend that the tower caused the Goodwin Sands because money intended for coastal defences was diverted instead to building the tower.

In medieval times Tenterden was a corporate member of the Cinque Ports although the harbour itself was two miles to the south at Smallhythe on the Rother estuary but long ago silted up.

Great Maytham Hall

The present house was designed by Edwin Lutyens and built in 1909. Author Frances Hodgson Burnett lived in the previous house on the site and the walled garden was said to be inspiration for her book The Secret Garden. The house is now converted into luxury flats.

The photograph was taken by Stephen Nunney and is licensed for re-use under the Creative Commons Licence.

Public Transport

Service R10 connects Cudham recreation ground with Orpington Station via Green Street Green.

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