If you have any questions, comments, answers or information which will help others and add interest to this web site then please e-mail them to us here and we will publish them.

Whilst we will try to answer your questions from our own knowledge, we will rely upon the collective knowledge of our membership and associates. Many of these will be specialists in some aspect of Sittingbourne's history and we are indebted to them for the information volunteered.

The museum will publish your comments, questions and answers received in good faith, but cannot be held responsible for any loss or incorrect information contained therein. We will however, endeavour to verify the information and correct any mistakes or inaccuracies.

We also reserve the right to exclude or remove any comments for whatever reason.

Bluetown

Where is Bluetown? My family originated from Sheerness and Milton, but I was told that some ancestors were born in Bluetown. Can you assist?

Tom Allen,

Portales, New Mexico

Bluetown is now really just a part of Sheerness, it is the dock area, and was once full of pubs, brothels etc. when the port was a naval dockyard. Now many of the buildings are disused, though there is a thriving concrete garden ornament factory, and a steelworks was built on the old naval hospital and sports ground in the 1970s. There are still three pubs and a hotel.

Your enquiry about Blue Town, Sheerness has been passed to me to offer you further information. I would be happy to send you a copy of 'The Blue Town Trail' which I recently acquired. It is an illustrated tour of the town explaining the history of this part of Sheerness. I will send it to you together with the addresses of other organisations on The Isle of Sheppey which may be willing to help you with further research.

Yours sincerely

Peter J. Morgan,

Chairman, SHM

Sittingbourne lad at Trafalgar

William Thompson aged 22 born in Sittingbourne, Kent, England.

Ship: HMS Africa

Rank/Rating: Able Seaman

Service details

Comments: From: Zealand, Pegasus

HMS Africa

Ship's pay book number: (SB 121)
13 September 1805 to 5 April 1809 (Was at Trafalgar)
Rank/rating: Able Seaman

HMS Namur

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

/trafalgarancestors/

Peter STUART

Liguria Maritime

I am researching Naval History post World War II and have come across a photo of HMS Keppel taken 30th April 1979 beached at LIGURIA MARITIME at Sittingbourne, Kemsley Mill (I assume) is in the background of the shot. I had just moved to Sittingbourne in 1979 and did not realise there was/is a ship breakers here. I have also found references to Ligiria breaking WWII submarines at Sittingbourne. Please tell me what you can about this yard - is it still trading and where was it situated in relation to current Sittingbourne geography.

Regards

Simon Bodmer

I am happy to respond to your enquiry about the Liguria Marine Company which was set up on Milton Creek. From memory, I guess that it was started about twenty years ago and was in operation for about five years. It has now ceased trading, destroyed by vandalism and violence. The Liguria brothers were, I believe, Italian and had probably been in ship breaking somewhere before. They bought vessels at the end of their working life and cut them up for scrap metal using the Churchfield Wharf on Milton Creek. They were not particularly careful in disposing of the fuel oil in the ships and other dangerous chemicals so the land they operated on became very heavily contaminated and has had to be very carefully (and very expensively) treated. Unfortunately some thieves tried to raid the place to steal the valuable metals which were recovered and there were some violent confrontations. In one of these incidents one of the Liguria brothers had a heart attack and died. The other brother was so broken by this that he soon gave up the business and moved away. I have no idea what vessels they bought and broke up because they tended to be rather secretive in their operations. I would not know how to start searching for the names of such boats so I am afraid that I cannot help you with that.

If there is anything else I can help you with, you are welcome to get in touch.

Thanks for this information. It would seem however that they were in business around 30 years ago as the picture of HMS Keppel aground on the mud of Milton Creek was taken in April 1979. Its such a shame there seem to be no more records of this company, but it seems that may not have been as legitimate as you would like and not very environmentally concious as they would have to be today. Where in relation to todays layout at Milton was or is Churchfield Wharf? anywere close to Prentis Quay or perhaps further up towards Kemsley Mill, or was it more Murston Side of the creek?

Many Thanks for your time on this.

Simon

Labour Fetes in Remembrance Avenue

A little while ago I popped into the museum and asked about the Labour Fair (Fayre?) that used to be held in the then market field in the junction of The Avenue of Remembrance and Bell Road (although many locals when I was living there in the 1950's always called it Bell Lane).My Father (now nearly 90) has told me that it was organised by the Co-op but I wondered if it had its origins in the traditional labour fairs held in the Summer to recruit workers for the forthcoming year and harvest.

It was always a very busy day culminating with a huge firework display with householders in the area find heavy debris from the 'star burst' displays.

Thank you.

Richard Bushrod

Richard:

I can respond to this enquiry about the Labour Fete in The Sale Field, Bell Lane (although the entrance to the field was in Remembrance Avenue)

It was a major event every summer in the 1950s and was run by the Labour Agent, Mr. Gray to promote the Labour MP, Mr. Percy Wells and his successor, Terry Boston (later Lord Boston). The field itself was owned by the auctioneer, Benstead, and sheep and cattle were auctioned there once per year. It is now owned by Borden Grammar School and is used as a sports field. The Labour Fete was very popular because, in addition to the usual stalls surrounding the field, Mr. Gray invited 'acts' such as fire eating, juggling and people on uni-cycles. There were also some of the usual fair ground rides and stalls. Sometimes it ended with a fireworks display. It ended when Terry Boston was defeated by a Conservative candidate, Roger Moate in the early 1960s.

You may have confused The Labour Fete with the Co-op Sports Day which was held in the summer on the Co-op Playingfield which is now the Australia Estate (Adelaide Drive, etc.). That, too, was well attended and was a major feature of the town's calendar but it was devoted entirely to competitive sports and was not called a fete or a fayre.

That also died out when the Co-op contracted due to the incoming national stores taking away much of their trade. The Co-op, out of its profits, used to support sport, The Co-op Senior and Junior Choirs and other educational activities. These also have died out though the Co-op remains a major trader in the High Street with its large department store at the junction with Station Street. I hope those notes help the enquirer.

Peter, SHM, August 2005

Park Avenue

I live on Park Avenue and wonder if you can shed some light on what I have found in my garden which backs onto King Georges.

Upon digging I have found a area of about 20sq mtrs of what appears to be a very worn path or floor made from red bricks laid on edge, almost cobble looking. Would you know if this is left over from any of the old outbuildings or stables that belonged to Gore Court House? The brickwork has been laying underneath concrete and I would love to know its history or if it has any before I remove it.

Thanks in anticipation

Shelley

Yes Shelley it definitely is part of one of the buildings belonging to the mansion of Gore Court. I am writing a history of Gore Court at the moment and you certainly live where it was. It was a very grand house designed by the architect S.P. Cockerell and built on the site of an ealier medieval manor house. You will have seen the remains of the pillars of the front portico in the park.

Helen

"SQUIRE WINCH"

I am trying to discover the whereabouts of a painting referred to as "SQUIRE WINCH" that hung at the Guildhall, Queenborough as recently as about 10-20 years ago.

It is recalled by my relation that this used to hang at the top of the stairs at the Guildhall.

Does this ring any bells with anyone?

It will be great to know if this has survived and of its whereabouts.

Many thanks

Tony Brown, Dartford

Sittingbourne in World War II

I am a year 7 pupil at Borden Grammar school and would like some information on World war 2 in Sittingbourne. I particularly would like to find out about landmarks/buildings that were destroyed and about anyone who attended Tunstall or Borden Grammar during the war.

Jake

Anglo-Saxon remains at Teynham

A few years ago I had a conversation with an old Gentleman in the Railway Tavern. He told me that as a young man in the 1930s he remembered the discovery of some Anglo-Saxon remains AT the hopping sheds at Barrow Green.

I have searched through various journals etc. All to no avail. Can you throw any light on the subject ?

Many thanks

Keith Pope

Catletts in 16th Century

In researching my family I have found my earliest relative to originate from Sittingbourne circa 16th century. Can you advise if the Catlett family has relatives living there now?

Dear Mr. Catlett,

Your enquiry about the Catlett family of Sittingbourne is interesting. In our museum we have a copy of the Charter granted to Sittingbourne in 1599 by Queen Elizabeth 1 giving us a Corporation (a local authority) and one of the named Jurats in the charter is a John Catlett, being an honest and upright citizen. As far as we can find out, there are no Catletts left in Sittingbourne but there is one listed in the telephone directory as living in Strood.

Peter Morgan, SHM

Dear Sir/Madam

please put the person who was enquiring re thecatlett family inthe 16th C in touch with us . We may be able to give him some information re family tree

Many thanks Ruth Catlett

Constance Creusot

My name is Max and I live in the South of France. When I was in my teens some 45 years ago I spent some years in Sittingbourne where my mother taught at a Catholic school for girls. She died and was buried in Sittingbourne in the mid seventies. I am her only living relation and have been abroad ever since.

I am trying to get in touch with someone who might explain to me what happens to a thirty five year old grave that probably has'nt been visited, whether it's still there to be seen, whether I can got and have it renovated, and so on.

Can you give me some sort of clue as to who to contact?

Thanks

Max Creusot

(mother's name Constance Margaret Creusot

Chiltern Manor

Dear Sir/Madam

I am trying to find any information about Chiltern Manor situated on Highstead Road. I remember It being boarded up 25years ago as I played in its grounds before a family {Littlejohn ?} brought it.

Whilst playing in the gardens I saw what can only be described as a Black Ghost! I never went back!.

I would appreciate any help on this matter ,as researching from Australia has been very difficult .

Kind regards

Claire Kempton

Adelaide S/Australia

I currently live just down the road in East Street. I lived in Chiltern Manor House for approx 5 years with my family and was not surprised to see the comment regarding the Property. I never saw anything in the Garden, but the presence within the premises has been felt by everyone that has ever visited. It is extremely friendly, curious and at times very mischievous with the catechistic of a small playful child. With only glimpses and slight appearances I am unable to give you a description but feel its very comfortable in its surrounding and has a great relationship with my parents and family. You might be reading this email in disbelief and if I had not lived in the building I think I would of done as well, but from personal experience, not hearsay, it was a amazing and interesting place to grow up.

Steve

I am e-mailing regarding Chiltern Manor, (actually Chilton Manor). My parents live in the house, they moved in in 1994, and I am also looking for history on the house. I lived in the house for 10 years and we always believed it had a ghostly presence.. The house is split in two and my parents live in the front part of the house. We were aware that the Littlejohn family lived in the house before us but the house had been empty for one year when we moved in. Any information on the history of the house would be of great interest.

Viv

Hinchcliffe in Sittingbourne Grange

I wonder if you can help me.

I'm an archivist working on sculptor's papers, and have come across a photograph of a sculpted portrait of 'Hinchcliffe in Sittngbourne Grange, 1939' by Franta Belsky.

I would very grateful if anyone could shed any light on who Hinchcliffe was, and any info on Sittingbourne Grange.

Many thanks,

Ellie Finch

The Old Gas House

Dear sir

I'm trying to locate the whereabouts of "the Old Gas House, Sittingbourne" which is the birth place of my great grandmother, Fanny M. Gomar.

If you have any details or maps, or can advise of the whereabouts of this building, I would very much like to hear from you.

Robyn Barratt

Dutnall

I am researching my great great grandfather William Dutnall born about 1804 in Sittingbourne (census 1851). I found William Dutnal(spelt with one l) and his sister Jane listed under St.Michael's Sittingbourne from the internet. I would like to find the appropriate parish register baptism entry in the hope of finding his parents' names. Could you tell me the best way to go about this please?

Thanking you.

Sylvia Purvis

Murston Rectory

I have been researching murston parish and would like to know where the
rectory was before the one built in 1867 in the glebe land at murston park off rectory road at snipshill,was there a dwelling here before or was it somewhere else, knowing the original church at lower murston was 12th century where was the rectory ?
regards
Bryan Clark

Messerschmitts and Doodlebugs

Hello: I was looking at your picture of the fron t entrance to the mill. My Dad and my brother george worked at the Mill. My Dad worked in the Machine shop during WWII. I worked in the
front office the door is visible in your picture. I also worked across the street with Mr.Sedge and Mr.Hannon. That was about 60yrs ago. As a boy I used to play in the churchyard next to the Odeon Theatre. My Old School St. Michaels in the Butts has long since gone. I used to live on Queen Street on the other side of Sittingbourne station. Love your site. Brings back a lot of memories. The War when my mum put us under the stairs when an air raid was on. Sitting quiet waiting for a dudlebug to go over then cringing when the engine stopped
waiting for the explosion. Going to school and having the German Stuckers and Messhassmits (sic) diving down. They shot many holes in our house. Thanks J.C. Jan 06

Battle of Britain gun sites

I've just learned from letters that my father was stationed with the Royal Artillery for a while in Sittingbourne during the Battle of Britain. It seems there was quite a bit of action there, bombings and planes shot down. In order to help me date the letters, perhaps you could give me some idea of what was happening there that summer. For example, where were the anti-aircraft batteries set up? He reports that on one particular Sunday three planes were shot down. I'd appreciate any information you might have.

Ray Pierson

I believe that the anti-aircraft batteries were at Chitney Marsh.

Taken from a book 'Hells Corner 1940 by H.R.Pratt Boorman published 1942, there is a great deal of information regarding raids in the Sittingbourne area, also bombs dropped and related casualties - too much to recall here. Also the Sittingbourne and Milton illustrated history by Dr. P. Bellingham would be worth the gentleman consulting. Regarding the planes shot down, it was probably during the year of 1940 that these occurred.

Both books recall the bombs which landed in Park Road and West Street, plus other areas of the town. I am not aware as to whether the book 'Hells Corner 1940 ' is available, but it might be worth Mr. Pierson searching around.

Peggy Jackson, SHM

Evacuation to Bicknor

Hello

Having seen your excellent web site, I wondered if you could assist me in tracing my movements as an evacuee in WW2.

I was evacuated to two homes in Bicknor; the first was a small isolated cottage in woodland and the other a farm ( Belts Green Farm) now known as Fore Ayes Farm. I am trying to discover exact dates, names etc and wondered if you knew where I could have access to the Placement Registers for that area.

Many thanks.

Derek Lee

Rose Hill, The Grove

I wondered if you might be able to help. I am trying to find a postcard or photograph of the House at Rose Hill ( it used to stand in the woods behind the Grove). i walk in the woods 2/3 times a day and would love a picture of the house to add to my collection of postcards of the woods/Grove. I only have 2 postcards from around 1907 but would like to add to this. Do you have any copies in your museum?

Christine, March 2006

Dr Llewelyn Smith

1902 - 1940

I wonder whether you can help me about how my wife's uncle died. Dr. Smith lived in Sittingbourne. He and another doctor died on 29th July 1940 after a car accident. Would you think that the details of the accident and the funeral would be in the local press and would it be in your archives in any chance?

Phil,

Newport, Shropshire

March 2006

Frognal Manor on the Internet

Having grown up in Teynham and delivered papers to Mrs. Sydney at Frognal farm I was engrossed by Alan Abbey's article about the history of this site. But I am puzzled that no one has noticed the presence of the foundations of a considerably larger structure to the East of the sites mentioned. It runs parallel to Frognal Lane and is (from what I can estimate) roughly 1500 feet long by 60 feet wide with what appears to be the remains of an access way running to Lower Road.

The crop marks are clearly visible in the attached bitmap image I am enclosing. I captured this from a site that provides aerial photographs (called Multi Map) on the Internet.

This image also shows the possible remains of the structure in the adjoining field (mentioned in Alan's article) much more clearly.

I love local history (and Teynham is exceedingly rich in it) so I am keen to know if anyone else has reported this before me.

It looks to me to be some MASSIVE Roman villa situated nearly 2 miles away from the original site of Teynham village at the existing Anglican church.

This must mean that Frognal was a village in its own right - and quite an important one too.

Tenham? TEN HAMlets? Perhaps this was one of them? Certainly the Frognal area seems to have been very important at some time.

I have researched Teynham's local history for many years and have quite a few ideas/theories bouncing around. For example - did you know that there was a Roman fort/port at the present spring head site of Osiers stream? Most of the Norman built "Saint Mary's" Church is made from stone that was scavenged from the Roman site, dragged up the nearby hill, and used to build over a pagan worship site. The site even has the original yew tree to this day!

I can't wait for your reply.

regards

Steve Williams

Steve

I am glad you enjoyed my paper, Frognal is a fascinating study. The crop marks you mention I believe are from the medieval Archbishops palace that once stood not far from the parish church. The site has had several seasons of archaeology carried out by the KAFS, perhaps their website will help you here, www.kafs.co.uk.

The site itself is most likely to be early post conquest in date, the moat site being constructed in the marshy ground of the 'Frogs nook', a process that also helped drain the immediate area, I doubt it had much earlier Saxon habitation. The name Teynham was originally Taena ham which translates more closely to the settlement of the descendants, which indicates a more compact, single settlement pattern of which the marsh area was a part. It was never more than an estate / manor within Teynham.

If you would like to discus your thoughts and Frognal further I shall be pleased to hear from you, you can contact me through the HRGS website www.hrgs.co.uk

Alan Abbey HRGS

East Kent Ironworks

Do you have any information of the above situated in Frederick Street in 1908 particularly register of workers. We are researching my wife's great grandfather Walter Burrell who came to Borden in 1911 from Suffolk originally then Stratford Essex he was a Blacksmith and we would like to know why he made the move we also know that he was a Baptist. John Rose Plymouth Devon

John, Feb 2006

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