Aldington, Kent Website Links For
Aldington
 

Information About

Aldington, Kent





THE PARISH

The parish is bounded to the north by the M20 Motorway and the rail links which include the Channel Tunnel Rail Link . To the south it drops to the Romney Marsh (about 10% of the parish lies there) to the north bank of the Royal Military Canal . It covers 3400 acres (1376ha) and has a population of 981 persons. Because of its location (a part of the North Downs ) the parish is considered an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty , as well as a large part being also part of the Old Romney Shoreline Special Landscape Area. The main road across the parish follows the path of a Roman road.


ST MARTIN'S CHURCH

The parish church dates from the 12th century: its 16th century tower became a landmark for seamen. It is built in Perpendicular style.


HISTORY

The charming village of Aldington is steeped in history and there are over 50 buildings of historical or architectural interest in the wider parish. Here was the site of one of the Archbishop Of Canterbury 's palaces, of which only a small portion remains.


The Aldington Gang

After the Napoleonic Wars , Aldington was the stronghold of The Aldington Gang , an infamous band of Smugglers that roamed the marshes and shores of Kent plying their nefarious trade. The gang's prolific leaders, Cephas Quested and George Ransley , natives of Aldington, made the local Inn ( The Walnut Tree ) their headquarters and drop for their illicit contraband. High up on the southern side of the inn is a small window through which the gang would shine a signal light to their confederates up on Aldington Knoll.


Famous Inhabitants


  • In 1519 Elizabeth Barton was born in the village, she became a maid to one of the local families, but claimed she had visions. She was provided a place in the convent at Canterbury , and through some manipulation by Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas More she prophesied that King Henry VIII would die a villains death if he divorced Catherine.


Many famous literary figures have made their home here including

More recently it has been home to comedians Vic Reeves and Paul O'Grady (Lily Savage) and the most recent being Julian Clary .


LOCAL FACILITIES

  • Primary School

  • 2 Pubs (The Walnut Tree & The Good Intent, both with restaurants)

  • Post Office/Village Store

  • Butcher/Bakery

  • Village Hall

  • Recreation Ground including a Tennis Court and children's play area.



EXTERNAL LINKS