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North West Kent Family History Society

@nwkfhs.bsky.social

We are one of Kent's and the UK's premier Family History Societies - if you want to find out more why not take a look at our website: https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk

625 Followers  |  929 Following  |  349 Posts  |  Joined: 02.12.2024  |  1.6638

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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'.

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

14.02.2026 08:19 — 👍 16    🔁 8    💬 0    📌 0
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.

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

19.02.2026 16:22 — 👍 4    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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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! 🍿👀

19.02.2026 16:13 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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.

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

17.02.2026 14:24 — 👍 3    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 0

18 February 10.30am Zoom DNA Discussion Group with Laura Lincoln
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/branc...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

15.02.2026 15:40 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Are you looking to join a professional association for genealogists and researchers in archives? Find out more about AGRA: www.agra.org.uk/join

03.02.2026 12:02 — 👍 4    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
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.

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

10.02.2026 09:36 — 👍 6    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Zoom Talk: 12 February 7.30pm Sin, Sex and Probate with Colin Chapman

After his well-received presentation last year on early Censuses, Dr Chapman returns to talk about Sin, Sex and Probate. a fascinating and accessible guide to the workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts.
#NWKFHS #Genealogy

10.02.2026 09:03 — 👍 3    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 1
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Leigh & District Historical Society Main Navigation

Leigh & District Historical Society explores the history of Leigh, near Tonbridge, from medieval roots to modern times. They host talks, maintain local archives & share records online. Join them or explore our resources: leighhistorical.org.uk #LocalHistory #KentHistory

12.02.2026 10:01 — 👍 3    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 0
A bundle of old letters in envelopes with handwritten addresses. One of the envelopes has a blue stamp in the top right hand corner.

A bundle of old letters in envelopes with handwritten addresses. One of the envelopes has a blue stamp in the top right hand corner.

How to create the perfect Family History documents:

1. Have ancestors who wrote and received letters
2. Have ancestors who kept those letters
3. Wait 50 years or so

Et voila! The minutiae of everyday life is now fascinating, poignant and historically relevant…

#ClearingMyParentsHouse

12.02.2026 07:49 — 👍 41    🔁 3    💬 6    📌 0

Sevenoaks Branch Talk 14 February Speaker Ed Thompson on Shops of Otford 1960-2000
Meeting starts 11am

The talk looks at the buildings and scenes of Sevenoaks that are lost to time but were captured in over 80 evocative photographs.

#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

12.02.2026 09:03 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Find Your Ancestors & Family History - Genealogy & Ancestry Trace your ancestry and build a family tree by researching extensive birth records, census data, obituaries and more - over 10 billion records - start today!

Findmypast are offering free access to their digitised historical newspaper archive to celebrate their 100-million-page milestone. There are over 2,700 titles dating back to 1699. The archive is free to explore until 16 February 2026. Enjoy! findmypast.co.uk #Genealogy

11.02.2026 09:19 — 👍 4    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
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Zoom Talk: 12 February 7.30pm Sin, Sex and Probate with Colin Chapman

After his well-received presentation last year on early Censuses, Dr Chapman returns to talk about Sin, Sex and Probate. a fascinating and accessible guide to the workings of England’s ecclesiastical courts.
#NWKFHS #Genealogy

10.02.2026 09:03 — 👍 3    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 1

11 February10.30am Library DNA & General Family History Discussion Group with Pam Goddard
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/branc...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

08.02.2026 09:03 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

11 February 10.30am Zoom Discussion Group with Laura Lincoln: Let's talk about family history.
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/branc...
#Kent #NWKFHS #Genealogy

07.02.2026 09:57 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks is the popular program that has helped thousands of people tell, share, and preserve the stories of their ancestors.

Family History writing challenge.
www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/52-ancestors...
This is a free challenge to help prompt you to write about one of your ancestors each week.
#Kent #NWKFHS #Genealogy

06.02.2026 09:03 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Met museums and archives Read about the Metropolitan Police Service museums and archives in London.

Dartford Branch Talk 7 February Family History Research at the Metropolitan Police Museum with Clare Smith who will explain how the museum collection can be used in your research. - Meeting starts at 10.30am

#Kent #NWKFHS #Police #Genealogy

05.02.2026 09:03 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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The Society Library is usually open every Wednesday 10am - 4pm for members to carry out their own research, enjoy a cuppa, socialise, and take part in workshops and discussion groups held at the library. Our team of volunteers are also on hand to offer help.
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

03.02.2026 09:03 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Zoom Discussion Group with Ann Clarke: Have you found an interesting property that your family has lived in? Have you researched the property? Discussion Group: Have you found an interesting property that your family has lived in? Have you researched the property? Log in from 10.15am and chat with other participants before the workshop...

4 February 10.30am Zoom Discussion Group with Ann Clarke: Have you found an interesting property that your family has lived in? Have you researched the property?
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/branc...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

02.02.2026 09:50 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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.

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 ☟

29.01.2026 14:10 — 👍 8    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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It's always nice when you can pinpoint the exact place where a client's ancestor worked. The 1921 census is a great source for this information and I can now say for certain that the person I've been researching worked as an Attendant at the Public Lavatories on Edmonton Green...

27.01.2026 12:16 — 👍 30    🔁 2    💬 2    📌 1
#OnePlaceWednesday. Image: Photo of the view across a narrow lake in Winter. On the near shore in the foreground there is grass. Close to the opposite shore are a few large, leafless Oak trees standing at the bottom of a grassy field that occupies the sloping ground rising beyond the water. At the top of the slope, just visible on the left, is part of Fawsley Hall, and on the right, Fawsley St Mary's church with its tower. There are trees in the wide gap between those buildings. Above, the sky is blue; that colour is reflected in the water of the lake along with the trees. One-Place Studies, where family history and local history unite.

#OnePlaceWednesday. Image: Photo of the view across a narrow lake in Winter. On the near shore in the foreground there is grass. Close to the opposite shore are a few large, leafless Oak trees standing at the bottom of a grassy field that occupies the sloping ground rising beyond the water. At the top of the slope, just visible on the left, is part of Fawsley Hall, and on the right, Fawsley St Mary's church with its tower. There are trees in the wide gap between those buildings. Above, the sky is blue; that colour is reflected in the water of the lake along with the trees. One-Place Studies, where family history and local history unite.

Welcome to another #OnePlaceWednesday! What’s happening out there in the wonderful world of #OnePlaceStudies? Do you have OPS news, blog posts, links, advice or pictures to share? Do you have OPS questions to ask? Add the hashtag and post away, any time today!

Our website | Studies | Join us

28.01.2026 07:30 — 👍 5    🔁 3    💬 1    📌 0

28 January 10.30am Zoom Scottish Interest Discussion Group with Pam Goddard
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/branc...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

26.01.2026 09:03 — 👍 0    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
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Our latest exhibition, Love Letters, is now open at The National Archives, revealing 500 years of love. From paupers, monarchs, queer networks & quiet acts of affection found in government records.

Very proud to have been lead curator on this one, working with so many wonderful people! 💌

26.01.2026 22:57 — 👍 66    🔁 26    💬 4    📌 4
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.'

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

20.01.2026 14:33 — 👍 13    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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

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.

26.01.2026 10:17 — 👍 6    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

28 January 10.30am Zoom Scottish Interest Discussion Group with Pam Goddard
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/branc...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

26.01.2026 09:03 — 👍 0    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

The #NWKFHS Are sad to hear of the passing of Lost Cousins legend Peter Calver. Someone who gave so much to the genealogy community over the years. Condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time

23.01.2026 10:31 — 👍 3    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

21 January10.30am Zoom DNA Discussion Group with Laura Lincoln
www.nwkfhs.org.uk/events/branc...
#NWKFHS #Kent #Genealogy

19.01.2026 09:03 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Join the CAMEMS study day at the University of Kent on Saturday, 14 February, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are £10 for students, £20 for CAMEMS Friends, and £25 for others. To register, email Jason Mazzocchi at jjm1@kent.ac.uk with "Exploring Kent’s History." Proceeds support postgrad bursaries

14.01.2026 12:00 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

@nwkfhs is following 20 prominent accounts