kent | A set of themed essays about Kent, a county in South East England, which include interactive maps and images. Kent has a rich history and provided inspiration for a number of writers and artists.

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Kent’s public institutions, memorials, monuments and historic buildings.

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The Battle of Britain Memorial

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” The Battle of Britain Memorial situated on top of the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, commemorates ‘The Few’.

Convalescent Homes

Many convalescent homes were established in Kent, with its temperate seaside climate and relatively easy access to London. These institutions aimed to support recuperating patients, often drawn from urban hospitals.

Folkestone Free Library

H. G. Wells sends Kipps to the Folkestone library in 1905, where he claims nervously, ‘I ‘aven’t got a ticket yet. But I shall get one all right, and have a go in at reading. I’ve often wanted to. Rather’.

The Hidden Gems of Parochial Kent

Kent is not only the garden of England, it is also the first landing site of Christianity in Britain. St Augustine began his mission to convert the Britons to Christianity in Canterbury.

Invicta Park Barracks

The Invicta Park Barracks which currently houses 36 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers would seem an unlikely place to have a connection with two Victorian literary heroes: Alfred Lord Tennyson and Edward Lear.

Lullingstone Roman Villa

Lullingstone Roman Villa is situated near the village of Eynsford, in the Darent Valley. It was unearthed during archaeological excavations undertaken in the late 1940s to early 1960s.

Piers

In the nineteenth century, Kent resorts began to build piers, principally for use as landing stages, although, they soon became popular marine promenades.

Victorian Turkish Baths

While Kent had fewer Turkish baths than many northern counties, they were no less interesting than those built elsewhere. Many well-known people used them including F C Burnand, Wilkie Collins, Edward Linley Sambourne and George Grossmith.

The Secret War Tunnels of Dover Castle

Throughout History, Dover Castle has been used as a highly fortified military garrison to protect Britain’s shores from invaders. Its secret network of underground tunnels were vital in the Evacuation of Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo) and in the key deception operations of the Second World War.