by Harry Peet

Thought you knew everything there is to know about Maidstone? Well, think again.

'Secret Maidstone' is a new history book written by author Dean Hollands which explores some of the county town's best kept secrets from its links with the Crimean War to the invention of overarm bowling in cricket.

Maidstone born and bred, Dean has tirelessly worked to bring the book together: "I was a little bit nervous when I was asked to write a book called 'Secret Maidstone' because in this day and age I believe not much is actually secret any more.

"What I did find was having put my boots on the ground and research various areas in the town, on four occasions people did say to me the word 'secret' so at that point I knew it was going to be okay and was going to work."

The book also explores some of the lesser-known people in the town, with tales of remarkable characters, tucked-away buildings and unusual events.

Dean used not just his historical knowledge but also his experience as a former police detective to bring together the wealth of interesting facts and tales. He said: "When I'd visit the various scenes I'd bump into people and I'd explain what I was doing and they'd say: 'Did you know? Have you heard? Have you seen that over there?' and it would enrich my own knowledge and learning.

"Speaking to local people in the local situation and local environment brought on my knowledge tremendously."

Did you know these facts about Maidstone?

• Overarm bowling in cricket was invented in Maidstone? In 1771 Headcorn's John Willes copied the style from his wife who found that when bowling the conventional underarm style her hooped skirt would get in the way.
• The little finger of St Andrew was once stored in Boxley? Encased in an ounce of silver, Boxley Abbey once contained the relic making it a popular medieval pilgrimage site.
• Charles Dickens called Maidstone 'Muggleton'? The writer referred to Maidstone as 'Muggleton' in the Pickwick Papers. The town's Wetherspoons now shares the same name.
• Maidstone had some of the first undercover police officers in the country? In 1884 Maidstone police bought four caps and gabardines to use as disguises.
• In 1811 a man was tortured for stealing a tea kettle? The unnamed man was stripped to the waist, tied to a cart and whipped for 50 yards down the High Street.

You can read more of these interesting stories and tales from the book Secret Maidstone that's available to buy here