Heydays, history and heritage
Take a look at Kent through the ages with this
selection of historical reads
Kent’s Seaside Resorts Through Time by John
Clancy
With its mild climate, one of the UK’s longest coastlines and
proximity to London, it is little wonder Kent became fashionable
for holiday makers in the Victorian era. This handy-sized book of
photographs shows various recognisable landmarks in their heyday
and today.
Short, digestible accounts detail their significance during the
growth of the British seaside resort and, in many cases, their sad
decline since.
One striking
fact, portrayed clearly in pictures, is that prior to the invention
of railway and a decent road network, travel to Kent was made
mainly by sea.
The book also covers Kent’s piers, the first of which was
Margate in 1855, before Gravesend, Rochester, Herne Bay, Dover and
Deal were added.
Sittingbourne-based author John Clancy grew up in Milton Regis
and is a member of Kent Archaeological Society, the Friends of
Canterbury Archaeological Trust and the Sittingbourne Heritage
Museum.
Published by Amberley, price £14.99.
A History of the Ramsgate Fishing Industry by Michael
Hunt
An industry that was once the basis of Thanet’s community and
economy, this is a detailed description of the legacy of the town’s
commercial sea fishery.
This
book traces 1,000 years of men and women’s relationship with the
sea for food and business, from the beginning of fishing operations
through to its 19th century heyday and the contracted fishery of
today.
The book paints a picture of the days when the Royal Harbour was
packed side-to-side with herring boats and sailing trawlers.
It covers the area’s involvement with the Icelandic cod fishery,
the political and economic squabbles of mediaeval monarchs and the
tragedy and heroism of working in this dangerous trade.
Available from www.michaels bookshop.com, price
£7.99.
Addington – The Life Story of a Kentish Village by
Patricia Richardson
Sat between Wrotham Heath and West Malling, few people realise
that Addington is a village which dates back to 5,000BC.
The land,
homes and people of this pretty rural spot are tracked through the
ages. Read how a single family controlled the village’s destiny for
more than 500 years.
A dynasty of Catholic faith, the Watton family remained loyal to
the monarchy and endured plenty of scandal, with religious
upheaval, rebellions and the troubles of poor harvests.
A resident in the village since 1976, author Patricia
illustrates her narrative with photos and diagrams.
Available for free delivery by contacting Patricia on 01732
842303, price £14.
25/01/13
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