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Last Updated 15/4/10
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| About our town | Questions regarding some of the surrounding towns and villages | ||
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Here are some of your comments and questions on towns and
villages..
Bicknor Bluetown Bluetown, brothels Borden, Glencoe Borden, Woodgate Oast Dully, Farmhouse Frinsted - Jessops, enq 300 Kemsley Murston, Tonge & Bapchild E307 Teynham Tonge - Blacketts enq 301 Iwade Hull Dock, Sheerness Tunstall - see personal memories
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Enq. 63 - Evacuation to
Bicknor
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
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Enq 43 - 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, July 05 US 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 Enquiry 139 I was interested in your enquiry from Tom Allen, re: Blue Town. My grandfather, Loftus Allen came from Blue Town. (Born c. 1890 - died 1952). His father became an alcoholic after the death of his wife and Loftus run away from home and lived for a while under a boat on sheerness on the beach. He somehow found his way to my Great-grandmother who lived near Sittingbourne Paper Mill (he may have had a billet there whilst a soldier). He fought in World War 1 in India, came back home to my Great Grandmother's house and eventually married my Grandmother who was ten year younger than him. I'd be very pleased if you could pass this email on to Tom, though, of course, not sure if we are related. Sally Day, Dec 06
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Enq 274: Kemsley I hope you can help me. I know that Kemsley is rather a new village compared to Milton and Sittingbourne but the only pictures I can find of the village are 2 and neither of these are on your site. In fact I cannot find any reference to Kemsley apart form the light railway - nothing of the village itself. There was more than one watering hole in Kemsley, so where was the other one? What happened to the dairy and pea fields? The garages at the back of the club house are now all gone but I would like to find out more before the village has it's centenary in 2027. Please get back to me if you can help. thank you Carol Rayner |
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Kemsley - Enq. 94 I am researching my family history. My grandfather on my mother’s side was born in Sittingbourne in 1901. His name was Edwin Kemsley and I wonder if you have any idea how the place Kemsley got its name? I feel sure that there must be some connection. |
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Anglo-Saxon remains at Teynham - enq 49 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
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Frognal
Manor on the Internet - enq 10
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! 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 |
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Frinsted - Jessops, Enq 300 Some years ago relatives of mine owned the Kingsdown Arms in Frinsted. At that time I began researching the history of Jessops coaches who were based there from c 1930 c 1973. Over the last few weeks extracts of my initial research have appeared in the East Kent Gazette. I am seeking any further information on Jessops and also village carriers who plied between Sittingbourne and Milsted (Evans) and Frinsted (Wakelam and Trice). I am also interested in tracing any early bus/rail timetables for the area, and copies of the street directories produced by the East Kent Gazette (I have seen those for 1908 and 1926 - do others exist?). Can anyone help? |
Dear Sir, I wonder if you, or visitors to the museum website might be able to help me to find a photo or memories of the Anchor Coffee Tavern, which used to stand in Station Road, Teynham. This was run on the early part of the 20th century by my G.G Grandmother Emma Hales. I am in the process of building a family website and would love to have some more information, a picture or memories of the Tavern and the Hales family of Teynham. Emma was married to William Hales and had 11 children: Ellen, William, Jane, Fred, Arthur, Flora, Alfred, Fanny, Albert, Henry and Nora. William owned the butchers shop at Periwinkle Mill, Ellen, Arthur, Flora and Albert all emigrated to Ohio, and the rest of the children all remained local to Teynham and Sittingbourne as far as I am aware. I would greatly appreciate any information you can offer. Many Thanks, Sharon Johnson, May 2005 Take a look at the Teynham web site, you may find someone or something that might help. Brian
Sharman
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Hull Dock - Sheerness - enq 103: In 1858 I had an ancestor who lived in Blue Town and worked as a boiler maker in the “Hull Dock” . Are there any records of this?. Was it a naval or commercial dock? Gareth Jones
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Iwade
School - enq 32: Dear Sir/ Madam, Presently I'm researching some History of Iwade C.P. School, Iwade, Sittingbourne, Kent, as a project with some children. We have found lot's of information about the village it's self, although no definite dates as yet, but have found very little information about the school. I have trawled through lot's of old pictures and memorabilia that we have at school, and have uncovered several items, one being the punishment book dating back to 1901 I think? A picture of the wooden building on it's own dating back to 1950, before the present brick building was built, and more interesting a picture of the original school that was nearer to the junction of School Lane and The Street, later where the Farm Shop was situated. Unfortunately my research has slowed considerably. I have contacted Kent County Council, Swale Borough Council, been through Sittingbourne Library and photocopied very old maps showing the school site position in it's old and present position, and have trawled through internet sites but to no avail. Remembering a visit to your museum last year, it was to my pleasure that I found you on the internet, so here I am. I would appreciate any information you have or any suggestions of where to resource such information. T. Ines
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Enq 301 - Blacketts Farm I am researching some history for my Grandmother Joan Mary Goodhew, who is the daughter of a gentleman who was once a gardener at Blackett's Farm. His name was Harold Goodhew, and I believe that he was at Blacketts for the 1930's through the 1950's. Can anyone tell me if there is information and pictures available for Blackett's Farm, and if the current farm on Blackett road is the same one? If anyone remembers Harold and Alice Goodhew, or their daughter Joan, I would be very interest in communicating with them. Also, Joan married a Canadian Soldier, James Warren Preston, who I believe was a billet at the farm as well. Warm regards, Deanna Donovan Courtenay, B.C. Canada |
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Rose Inn, Teynham - enq 122 I have just discovered your wonderful well presented website. I hope you don't mind my family history question. As I live in Newcastle upon Tyne it is very hard for me to find information. My Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother may possibly have been the landlords of the Rose Inn,Green Street,Teynham .My Grand father may also have been born there in approx 1876. Would it be possible that you may be able to confirm this? GGF name was HENRY BURNETT born 1851approx - GGM name was MARY ANN DUNCAN born 1856 approx GF name HENRY JAMES BURNETT born 1876 I would be grateful if any help could be given. John Burnett Yes I have checked & in 1891 the census for Green Street Teynham shows Henry Burnett 40 general labourer & publican of Rose Inn, wife Mary Ann 32, son Henry J,14, railway station clerk, Jamees B Duncan, fatherinlaw, widower 74 shoemaker + 1 lodger. In 1881 Henry was a police constable in Teynham hope this helps Helen, SHM
You may wish to direct the enquirer to
www.teynham.org where we have a comprehensive historical section on
Teynham and are only too pleased to receive further contributions.
Kind regards,
Brian Sharman
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Sheerness, Bluetown - Enq 129 I have been trying to locate a 19th century plan of Sheerness which shows East Lane and Beal's platform Bluetown. I was there in the summer and couldn't locate either place from the data I had. Any help to locate these would be much appreciated. Sheerness Heritage Centre, The Library etc are all places that might help.SHM I was born at 5 East Lane in 1950, and a small terrace of houses called "Coronation Row" containing no. 5 still stands today !. I know nothing about "Beals platform" but that sounds like something from the dockyard. - Derek Way - Aug.2007
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Brothels in Bluetown - enq 237 I and my cousin in France are trying to find
details on our Grt Grt
Suggest you contact the Sheppey History Society they are very knowledgable about the history of the island & its people, - Helen, SHM I think Kim's Grt Grt Grandmother who seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth may have been born in Poplar, London in about 1851. She seems to have lived in Sheerness; been married to Robert (born about 1848) and had in her family Alfred; Alice; Emily; Fred; John and Nellie. Keith, SHM |
Murston, Tonge, Bapchild - enq 307 Local published history seems to gloss over the Murston Workhouse. Whilst researching my Mothers Family [Gates] I find that some of my relatives [Fishers] were incarcerated in this institution for a while. And my Great Grandfather Alfred Gates lived under its threat as a shepherd at Tonge in the 1880's I also watched my dear father die in the same building when it was a geriatric Hospital. Please can you tell where I can obtain a Picture of what to me is a traumatically important building ? Also what it's name was as a Hospital. I have purchased quite a few local history books which cover Sittingbourne Faversham and Murston [With the exception of the Workhouse] . I am however unable to find any old photographs of Bapchild Village or Tonge Where my Mothers Family lived. My thanks in anticipation. Yours Sincerely. John Gilbert, Teynham John Although Murston parish would have had its own workhouse until 1835, after that the people of Murston were sent to the new Milton Union workhouse which took the poor from 18 parishes. For a full account of life there see 'Life in the workhouse the story of the Milton Union' available from the museum or from Sittingbourne library (buy or borrow). It continues the story through the change to geriatric hospital & eventual closure & demolition. Helen, SHM |
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Borden - Glencoe enq 253 Does anyone know of a place in Borden that was once called Glen Cole, (see below) it was a grand house on lovely grounds, it was at the bottom of a hill, the last owners was a family by the surname of Collins, I used to play in this house. Robert Smith You will perhaps be sad to learn that this former play area has been demolished. It was developed into a residential estate of five detached houses, one of which is currently for sale. There are many stories - perhaps "Suburban Legends" concerning the old house and its owners. They were told to me by an old time Borden resident, now departed. (I would be happy to swap these with you). Keith, SHM We originally lived at Torcroft on the London Road, but moved to Glencoe (not Glen Cole!) at the bottom of Bannister Hill in Borden early in 1956. This large, 8-bedroomed house was semi-derelict when my Dad bought it (from the Collins's, presumably, for £2,700 I recall!). The house was originally an attractive bungalow with a covered verandah on three sides, standing in very well laid out gardens. It later (but still well before our time) had a second storey (plus attic room) added, and, later still, a vast extension containing a boiler room, coal store, workshop and bedrooms was added. By then it was rather a rambling ungainly house. I set up home of my own in 1962 and Glencoe was eventually sold when my family first emigrated to Australia in about 1965. Glencoe was then left to decay for many years (I made the mistake of revisiting it in the mid 1970 and was horrified by what I saw) and was eventually demolished and replaced with a modern housing estate. Peter Berry 27/4/08 |
Woodgate Oast - Borden - enq 243 |
Newbury Farhhouse, Dully enq 236 I understand that Newbury farmhouse, Dully road, is somewhat erm...ancient, dating back to 1182 or thereabouts. Can anyone shed a bit of light on its history? I also understand that there was very nearby a roman villa! If anyone can advise on this I would be grateful. Both these places seem to be a little off the beaten track shall we say. I am just trying to understand why such important buildings were built there in the first place. Is there for example, anything in the name itself ? Newbury? Thanks in anticipation. Chris Oram. We have spoken to a retired farm baliff of Newbury farm. His recollections are that parts of the house dated from around 1182. It had a tree growing through the middle of it. One end was brick built and the other end flint. Looking in the roof where the tree was evident, they tried to age the tree by rings and thought it could be as old as 1066. There was a Roman villa up in the big field (100 acres) and he believes it had a cellar. Dover Archeological Society did the excavation. Allen, SHM |
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