Kent Archives

About the talk: Kent Archives' guide, 'How to Research the History of Your House', outlines the sources available at Kent Archives for researching properties, including deeds proving title to land, whether built upon or not. Mark will explain how to locate and interpret title deeds, discuss their limitations, and show how other sources may be used to supplement them. He will also demonstrate how title deeds can aid research into historic houses that no longer exist, using the Tonbridge abode of Jane Austen’s grandfather, William Austen, as an example. Mark Ballard has worked for Kent Archives since 1991, with an interlude at Tower Hamlets Archives working on title deeds for its National Lottery Fund-supported Land and Lives project and the Survey of London volumes on Whitechapel. He has published articles about Jane Austen’s Kent relatives, including 'Tales of Inheritance from West Kent' in 'Jane Austen's Geographies', edited by Robert Clark (Routledge, 2018).

Announcing our first lunchtime talk of 2026!
Monday 9th March, 1-2pm:

'Using title deeds to research historic buildings, and to trace lost houses' presented by Mark Ballard – Archivist at Kent Archives.

Book your free seat today:
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673

Shown here is an engraving depicting the west prospect of Knole in Sevenoaks, taken from 'Thirty six different views of noblemen and gentlemen's seats in the County of Kent…' by Thomas Badeslade, n.d. [c.1750] (ref. C150603044) Overlaid are two red squares, marked 'A' and 'B', highlighting areas of the estate that appear in the recent adaptation of "Wuthering Heights", directed by Emerald Fennell. Location 'A' comprises Knole Barn and Stable Court, which provided the backdrop for the harrowing opening scene of gallows day in Gimmerton Town Square. Since 2017, the 15th‑century barn with its Kentish flagstone facade has housed the National Trust’s conservation studio. Location 'B' comprises Green Court and Stone Court, separated by Bourchier’s Tower. Here, the camera captures Heathcliff and Isabella approaching the tower’s archway as they arrive for their marriage ceremony. In the scene that follows, it appears that an indoor space at Knole serves as the chapel's interior.

Among the UK’s largest country houses, #Knole in #Sevenoaks provided settings for Fennell's adaptation including the harrowing opening scene of gallows day in Gimmerton Town Square (A) and later, the marriage of Heathcliff and Isabella (B).

☟ See C150603044
🎥 #WutheringHeights

Eagle-eyed cinema-goers might have spotted a certain 600-year-old #Kent estate (whose archives are deposited with us) make a cameo in the recently released adaptation of #WutheringHeights, directed by Emerald Fennell.

Any guesses? We'll reveal all in our next post! 🍿👀

About the event: Most medieval coin hoards are modest in scale and were hidden, deposited or lost by members of the working rural population, the English peasantry, and by urban workers. Among the hoards covered are notable ones from Seasalter, Ickham, Dover, Meopham, Bredgar, Charing, Maidstone and Deal, running from the reigns of Henry II to Edward VI. These hoards will be considered in their time, place and social world. While it is almost never possible to explain exactly why an individual hoard was deposited, they can all be placed in a context of work and life. Dr Barrie Cook was curator of medieval and early modern coins at the British Museum until Spring 2025. His cataloguing of new coin hoards from England, 1180 onwards, has culminated in two books: ‘English medieval coin hoards: age of the sterling penny, 1180–1351’ published in January 2025; and ‘English medieval coin hoards: from the return to gold to the Great Debasement, 1351–1560’ which is due for release in early 2026.

Only one week left to purchase your tickets for this special talk presented by Dr Barrie Cook – former curator of coins at the #BritishMuseum 🪙

🎟️ £10.00 per ticket
📧 To purchase, email your name & telephone number to archives@kent.gov.uk
ℹ️ More details: bit.ly/CoinHoardsEvent

Shown here is a marriage proposal letter received by Frances Humphrey of Seal in 1809 [ref. U1050/C76] The besotted sender writes that Frances may consider him 'an almost perfect stranger', but her charms have not escaped his sight. He reveals his full name – only partially snipped from the page, allowing us to identify him as 'Rich'[ard]. He continues, saying that he has been 'entirely engrossed' by Frances ever since he first set eyes on her at a New Year’s Ball: delaying his marriage proposal only to ascertain whether her 'heart was disengaged'. Richard discloses that his 'living' is 'nearly four hundred pounds a year' – phrasing typical of a clergyman. He also mentions owning a 'comfortable residence' and a farm, although their locations have been snipped, and possessing 'four thousand pounds in the three percent consols'. He hopes Frances' parents will approve, asks her not to leave him in suspense, and boldly concludes by referring to himself as her 'adoring husband'.

Whoever took scissors to this marriage proposal received by Frances Humphrey of #Seal in 1809 thought they'd snipped the sender from existence — yet remaining clues suggest he was a besotted clergyman named Richard from #Westerham. Poor chap! 💔

☟ See U1050/C76
#ValentinesDay

Blurb: War planes and tanks are useless without fuel and, with war looming, RAF fuel reserves in 1936 were, at best, minimal. However, the secret construction of a massive storage and pipeline system in Britain kept the RAF fully supplied with fuel throughout the Second World War. The network, including the cross-channel PLUTO pipelines, was also vital for the Normandy invasion. The system expanded during the Cold War, including the construction of huge underground salt cavities for strategic fuel storage, and is still used today to supply major airports. This book, uniquely, traces its history.

Newly acquired & available to read in our Search Room:

'Fuelling the wars: PLUTO and the Secret Pipeline Network, 1936–2015' by Tim Whittle, 2017

🔎 To view, request ref. BK/C158026815
📚 For blurb, click ALT ☟
#SecondWorldWar #OperationPLUTO #Kent

Shown here is a postcard depicting an exterior view of Jezreel's Tower at Chatham Hill, Gillingham. Postmark dated 9th August 1923 [ref. GIL 85] Jezreel's Tower was an imposing religious structure intended to be the centrepiece of a small but fervent sect called the New and Latter House of Israel, led by James Jezreel (c.1851-1885). Initially a soldier in the British Army, Jezreel was influenced by the prophetic teachings of Joanna Southcott of Taleford, Devon (1750-1814), and established a Medway-based enclave of "Jezreelites" to continue her movement. Despite the sect's ambition, the tower was never completed owing to financial strain and the death of Jezreel in 1885, which left the group without strong leadership. Whilst the structure fell into disrepair, its decaying shell became a notable curiosity of the local landscape. After standing derelict for decades, the tower was demolished in 1961 — bringing an end to one of Kent’s most unusual architectural landmarks.

A lost landmark of Chatham Hill in #Gillingham, Jezreel’s Tower was built in the 1880s to serve as the headquarters of the New and Latter House of Israel. Although never completed and razed in 1961, it remains a notable curiosity in the history of #Medway 🧱

🔎 To learn more, click ALT ☟

Shown here is Alice Imperatori consulting a volume in the Search Room at Kent Archives. Alice joined the team as an Archive Services Officer in April 2025 and, in our latest newsletter, reflects on her academic background, previous experience in the archives sector, and her first nine months working with our collections. [Archives@Kent] is the quarterly newsletter published by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone. From publicising newly catalogued material to exploring documents in detail and sharing information about upcoming events, our newsletters can be delivered straight to your email inbox or accessed at www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter Have yet to subscribe? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list – Email: archives@kent.gov.uk Telephone: 03000 420 673

Have yet to read the latest news from Kent Archives?
🗞️ Winter 2025 newsletter:
www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter/

In this edition, meet two new members of the team and enjoy articles about our recent engagement activities, Old Scotney Castle, Martello Towers, and the 6th Baron Brabourne.

Shown here is an undated [late 19th century] albumen print photograph showing Maidstone Museum from Brenchley Gardens. It was published by Frederick Bunyard, a bookseller and stationer in Maidstone [ref. H/U18/44] A handwritten inscription on the verso of the mount reads: 'Maidstone: The Museum is a curious ancient building upon the site of the Manor house of Chillington and associated with the name of Sir John Lord Cobham as early as 1343. The building itself is a curiosity. The collections are good in ancient remains, geology, specimens of extinct animals, and general natural history. The room set apart for the Library is large and commodious and well stocked with books which though neither old nor rare are good and some of them very valuable. Open to all, admission free. God keep all Dwelling in this place in Meat and Wealth with Truth and Grace Amen. J. C. Inscription in the interior of the Great Hall.'

Today we’d like to wish Maidstone Museum a very happy 168th birthday!

Just a stone’s throw from Kent Archives, the museum was founded in 1858 and holds a diverse collection of over 600,000 artefacts — from Japanese decorative art and Ancient Egypt to ethnography and local history 🏺📿

☟ See H/U18/44

Shown here is a researcher wearing nitrile gloves to correctly handle a 19th century albumen print. The card support affixed to the verso provides no margins, subsequently exposing the edges of the photograph to oils, salts and dirt if handled with bare hands. Unless handling items that are chemically sensitive, metallic, or toxic, the use of gloves is largely performative. Often worn in the 19th and early 20th century by those working in heritage settings and the book trade, gloves traditionally conveyed respect for the items being handled whilst also alluding to their value. Much to the frustration of those working in the contemporary heritage sector, this outdated practice is repeatedly portrayed in the media, subsequently reinforcing the public’s mistaken perception that archives should be handled with gloves. Aside from the few exceptions, we handle documents with clean and dry hands, as gloves reduce manual dexterity and hinder the ability to assess fragility through touch.

H is for… #Handling

Wearing gloves whilst handling documents reduces manual dexterity and the ability to assess fragility through touch. Unless items are photographic, metallic or toxic, handling archives with clean and dry hands is generally the best practice.

#KAconservationAtoZ

Shown here is a printed Christmas card depicting a traditional festive scene of carol singers calling at a house, n.d. [early 20th century]. Printed on the front are the words ‘Hearty Christmas Wishes’, followed by a short poem inside the card. It reads: 'Joyous greetings speed away Bringing “Merry Christmas Day” Kind thoughts more than words can tell Wishes true to wish you well At this happy time of cheer And all through the coming year.' It’s one of several Christmas and New Year cards that can be found among the papers of Johnann Shiels and Maud Bourne of Folkestone, a collection spanning 1860-1930. To view them, request ref. F1975/14/F7 in our Search Room.

From the team at Kent Archives, we’d like to wish our followers, readers, volunteers and friends across the sector a Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2026!

☟📮 See F1975/14/F7: bit.ly/41LqQT4

#SeasonsGreetings #Christmas2025

About the event: Most medieval coin hoards are modest in scale and were hidden, deposited or lost by members of the working rural population, the English peasantry, and by urban workers. Among the hoards covered are notable ones from Seasalter, Ickham, Dover, Meopham, Bredgar, Charing, Maidstone and Deal, running from the reigns of Henry II to Edward VI. These hoards will be considered in their time, place and social world. While it is almost never possible to explain exactly why an individual hoard was deposited, they can all be placed in a context of work and life. Dr Barrie Cook was curator of medieval and early modern coins at the British Museum until Spring 2025. His cataloguing of new coin hoards from England, 1180 onwards, has culminated in two books: ‘English medieval coin hoards: age of the sterling penny, 1180–1351’ published in January 2025; and ‘English medieval coin hoards: from the return to gold to the Great Debasement, 1351–1560’ which is due for release in early 2026.

Join us in #Canterbury on Tuesday 24th February for a special talk presented by Dr Barrie Cook – former curator of coins at the British Museum.

🎟️ £10.00 per ticket
📧 To purchase, email your name and telephone number to archives@kent.gov.uk
ℹ️ More details: bit.ly/CoinHoardsEvent

Thank you Sophie! We're glad our collections proved useful to your article 😊

Shown here is a graphic listing Kent Archives' opening hours for December 2025 and January 2026. Key dates to bear in mind include: Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24th December – Closed Christmas Day, Thursday 25th December – Closed Boxing Day, Friday 26th December – Closed New Year's Eve, Wednesday 31st December – Open until 4pm New Year's Day, Thursday 1st January – Closed We look forward to welcoming you to the Search Room this festive season!

✨ Our opening hours this festive season ✨

Following our temporary closure, we look forward to re-opening our Search Room to the public on Tuesday 16th December.

Plan to visit us in the next few weeks? To avoid disappointment, please bear in mind the following dates…

Shown here is an information pack titled 'HIV/AIDS: How can we help?'. It was compiled by Kent County Council’s Social Services in the mid-to-late 1990s [ref. C/SS/1/13] Produced with the assistance of those living in Kent with HIV and AIDS, the pack provides a glimpse into the challenges and advocacy efforts surrounding the public health crisis in the 1990s. It includes details about transmission; accessing testing and treatment; the county, national and global picture; the help available from Kent’s Social Services; patient confidentiality; and the cost associated with receiving assistance. Inserted at the back are supplementary documents including 'Treatment Issues: A basic guide to medical treatment options for people with HIV and AIDS' published by The Terrence Higgins Trust in April 1996; and several sheets listing essential county-wide contacts as at April 1997, among which include testing and counselling services, helplines, local carer groups, and drug addiction advisers.

Released by Kent County Council's Social Services in the mid-to-late 1990s, this information pack captures growing empathy towards those battling #HIV and #AIDS, with sections addressing the right of patients to access confidential and prejudice-free care.

☟ See C/SS/1/13
#WorldAIDSDay @nat.org.uk

Shown here is a notice issued by Kent Archives, announcing the following: Temporarily closed Kent Archives is conducting essential collections work from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December. During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting or answering enquiries by email or telephone. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December – please send your enquiries to us from this date onwards. For further information, email us at archives@kent.gov.uk or call us on 03000 420 673

NOTICE: Kent Archives is temporarily closed.

Our team is conducting essential collections work from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December.

During this time, our Search Room and enquiry service will be closed. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December.

So satisfying! ✨

Shown here is a photograph of Julia (archives volunteer) chatting to Glyn House (strategic manager – specialist & support services) at Kent Archives' annual Christmas party, held to celebrate our wonderful volunteers. From hosting reading groups to providing customers with IT support and developing resources to aid historical research, the Time2Give scheme offers members of the public the opportunity to volunteer at Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives. For further information and to submit an application, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/clubs-and-activities-in-libraries/volunteer-in-libraries-and-archives

Yesterday we celebrated the outstanding contributions made by our volunteers in 2025. A special presentation was made to Julia, who has volunteered at Kent Archives for an impressive 20 years.

Our thanks to Julia, João, Gill, Pabitra, Julie and Anne for all their hard work! ✨

Shown here is a promotional graphic for Canterbury History Weekend 2026. The weekend offers a fascinating programme of 20 in-person talks at the University of Kent, bring together leading historians, lively discussion, and fresh insights into the Middle Ages. Attendees can create their own itinerary using a pick-and-mix booking system, selecting from a range of talks covering four main themes: Religion and the Arts, Royalty and Nobility, War and Politics, and Social History. Among this year’s speakers include Helen Castor, Marc Morris, Rachel Koopmans, David Carpenter and Caroline Barron. Tickets are priced at £10.00 per person, per event. Discounts for students and bulk purchasing are available – visit history-weekends.org for more information. The weekend is organised by the Canterbury Association for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (CAMEMS) in collaboration with the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies at the University of Kent.

Now booking: Canterbury Medieval Weekend
Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd May 2026

Join leading historians and writers as they uncover the ideas, people and events that shaped the Middle Ages.

📍 University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NU
ℹ️ For details and tickets: history-weekends.org

Thank you! 😊

Blurb: 'Tilt Boats and Hatch Boats of Gravesend and the London River, 1555–1865' tells the story of two significant vessels that worked the River Thames and served the City of London. In the foreword the Lord Mayor of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, illustrates the manorial relationship over 835 years with the Thames and the craft that sailed upon it. His reference to Winston Churchill's description of the Thames as a 'silver thread' is especially relevant to the narrative. The author, David Patient, is a retired shipwright. He has spent most of his working life restoring craft that sailed the Thames Estuary and has taken a keen interest in maritime history.

Newly acquired & available to read in our Search Room:

'Tilt Boats and Hatch Boats of Gravesend and the London River, 1555–1865' by David Patient, 2024

🔎 To view, request ref. BK/C335180096
📚 For blurb, click ALT ☟
#MaritimeHistory #RiverThames #Gravesend #Kent

Shown here is a notice issued by Kent Archives, announcing the following: Notice of temporary closure Kent Archives will be conducting essential collections work from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December. During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting or answering enquiries by email or telephone. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December – please send your enquiries to us from this date onwards. For further information, email us at archives@kent.gov.uk or call us on 03000 420 673

Kent Archives will be closed from Monday 1st - Sunday 14th December whilst we conduct essential collections work.

During this time, our Search Room will be closed to the public and we will not be accepting enquiries.

Normal service will resume on Monday 15th December.

YouTube video by Kent Libraries Registration and Archives Kent Archives Talk | The Orchard Family: Loss, Heartbreak and Remembrance in #Folkestone #WW1

This #RemembranceDay, revisit our lunchtime talk about the Orchard Family of #Folkestone, presented by archivist Liz Finn.

Liz explores the human cost of the First World War and how archives can help us bring these personal stories to light. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJRc...

Shown here is a close-up photograph capturing red poppies blooming in a field.

Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives will pause today at 11am to observe a two minutes silence.

We remember those who have fought and continue to fight for peace, and all impacted by armed conflict.

#RemembranceDay2025 #LestWeForget

Dr Catherine Budd presents her lunchtime talk at Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone. About the talk: Through an examination of local newspapers and archival documents held at Kent Archives, this talk will explore the sports of rowing, cycling and swimming, and the development of clubs across urban Kent. The talk considers the debates around amateurs, professionals and money, as well as issues of competition, class, the participation of women, health, commercialisation, modernity, and civic pride. The development of the three sports will be placed within the wider context of socio-economic change and will demonstrate the proliferation of a wide variety of clubs and the popularity of sport for both participants and spectators. Dr Catherine Budd is an Archive Services Officer at Kent Archives. She holds a PhD in the history of sport and previously worked as a lecturer, teaching modern British and European history.

…and that's a wrap! 🎬

Our 2025 lunchtime talks programme concluded today with a fascinating sports-themed presentation delivered by our very own Dr Catherine Budd.

We've thoroughly enjoyed welcoming you all this year and look forward to seeing you again in 2026.

Shown here is a programme regarding a fireworks display in Ramsgate for Sir Moses Montefiore by C. T. Brock & Co. of the Crystal Palace, 8th November 1883 [ref. U4364/Z3] Established in 1698, Brocks was a pioneer of the British pyrotechnics industry and remains the nation's oldest fireworks manufacturer. Founded in Islington, the company later operated from South Norwood, capitalising on its proximity to the ill-fated Crystal Palace by staging frequent fireworks displays there until the iron-and-glass structure was razed by fire in 1936. This printed programme relates to an event held for Sir Moses Montefiore, a renowned Jewish philanthropist and financier who celebrated his 99th birthday in 1883. Ramsgate was a fitting location as Montefiore resided nearby at East Cliff Lodge. A major civic occasion, the schedule featured a procession at 12:30pm, followed by a fireworks display — including a 'huge fire portrait' of Montefiore, a Brocks invention — and a 'monster bonfire' at 6:30pm.

From a 'flight of fiery whirlwinds' to a 'perfect umbrella of fire', this programme from November 1883 suggests that C. T. Brock and Co's fireworks display in #Ramsgate was a feast for the eyes – and a health and safety nightmare, no doubt!

Happy #BonfireNight 🔥
☟ See U4364/Z3

Shown here is a photograph capturing members of Maidstone Swimming Club wearing swimming uniform and medals, n.d. [c.1886] [ref. U3360/P2/1] About the talk: Through an examination of local newspapers and archival documents held at Kent Archives, this talk will explore the sports of rowing, cycling and swimming, and the development of clubs across urban Kent. The talk considers the debates around amateurs, professionals and money, as well as issues of competition, class, the participation of women, health, commercialisation, modernity, and civic pride. The development of the three sports will be placed within the wider context of socio-economic change and will demonstrate the proliferation of a wide variety of clubs and the popularity of sport for both participants and spectators. Dr Catherine Budd is an Archive Services Officer at Kent Archives. She holds a PhD in the history of sport and previously worked as a lecturer, teaching modern British and European history.

Announcing our final lunchtime talk of 2025!
Monday 10th November, 1-2pm
📍 Kent History & Library Centre, #Maidstone

'Recreation, health and competition: Sport in Victorian Kent' presented by Dr Catherine Budd.

Book your free seat today:
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673

Shown here is an early 20th century postcard depicting Lewis & Evenden, drapers and grocers (left) and The Black Horse Pub (right) in Pluckley, Kent [ref. KHLC-IMG/PO/1/PLU/4] Located five miles to the west of Ashford and once home to the aristocratic Dering family, Pluckley found its place in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records owing to numerous reports of supernatural occurrences. Between 12 and 16 spectres allegedly haunt the village, including an impaled highwayman at Fright Corner; a phantom horse-drawn coach at Maltman's Hill (often heard but not seen); a burnt gypsy lady at Pinnock Bridge; the hanging body of a suicidal schoolmaster; the ghost of Lady Dering in the graveyard of St Nicholas’ Church; and a young Victorian boy at the Black Horse Pub. At the latter, it's claimed that tableware and articles of clothing have been seen moving of their own accord – occasionally disappearing, only to return at a later date. So much for having a quiet drink down at the local!

Fright-seeking residents of Kent need not travel far this #Halloween. Allegedly home to over twelve spectres, the village of #Pluckley near #Ashford is said to be the most haunted in England. Visit at your own peril…

To learn more, click ALT ☟

🎃 See KHLC-IMG/PO/1/PLU/4

Shown here are Gareth, Lara and Alice from the team at Kent Archives. Dressed in rain coats, with bin bags and pincers in hand, they're litter picking along the towpath beside the River Medway in Maidstone.

Shown here are Victoria and Fiona from the team at Kent Archives. Dressed in rain coats, with bin bags and pincers in hand, they're litter picking in Whatman Park, located on the western side of the River Medway in Maidstone.

Yesterday's retention policy: bin the lot!

Our team took to the wet and windy streets of #Maidstone to conduct a much-needed appraisal of the 'pavement ephemera' littering the local area.

Needless to say, there were plenty of duplicates – and nothing worthy of preservation… 🗑️

Shown here is a photograph capturing industrial-scale paper making. It's one of several photographs we hold in our Sittingbourne Paper Mill Collection. Did you work at Sittingbourne Paper Mill, or know someone who did? Kent Archives needs your help! From naming members of staff to recognising different types of machinery, join us on Friday 24th October at Sittingbourne Library and impart your knowledge to our team. Your invaluable contributions will help us improve our catalogue descriptions for the Sittingbourne Paper Mill Collection, making the records more accessible to the public. For further details and queries – Email: archives@kent.gov.uk Telephone: 03000 420 673

Can you help us identify photographs from our #Sittingbourne Paper Mill Collection? If so, join us for a trip down memory lane...

🗓️ Friday 24th October, 11:30am - 4:45pm
📍 Sittingbourne Library
🗃️ View archival material and share your knowledge about the Mill with our team