While in recent years Maidstone may be better known for the country’s largest Wickes, the place R&B superstar Usher mistook for Manchester and the home of the estate which at one point claimed the dubious title of the UK’s teenage pregnancy capital it also has a rich history dating back far longer.
Is Maidstone rough?
Like any large town, Maidstone has good and bad neighbourhoods — although there are no seriously dangerous locations. Neighborhoods that may be less salubrious include the Park Wood and Mangravet areas. Mixed-income neighbourhoods such as Ringlestone, Shepway or Tovil have some good aspects and are inexpensive.
What was Kent called in Roman times?
A brief history. The name Kent derives from the ancient Celtic tribe who inhabited South East England from the Thames to the south coast. Their lands included modern Kent plus parts of Surrey, Sussex and Greater London. The Romans called the people the Cantii or Cantiaci and the county Cantium.
Did Vikings come to Kent?
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that Kent was first attacked by Viking raiders in the late eighth century. … By 811, it is recorded that Vikings built fortifications on the Kentish north coast, and over-wintered their armies on Thanet in 851–852 and Sheppey in 854–855.
What is the oldest town in Kent?
Discover Faversham, located in the heart of the Garden of England. The oldest market town in Kent and recorded in the Domesday Book, is bursting with history and located on a winding creek.
Whats it like living in Maidstone?
With lush parks, fantastic shops and mouth-watering restaurants, Maidstone has an abundance of amenities for every demographic. There are excellent shopping centres in the heart of the town, as well as a main pedestrianised shopping street with an eclectic mix of well-known and independent retailers.
What is near Maidstone?
Top Attractions in Maidstone
- Leeds Castle. 4,947. Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks. …
- Mote Park. 996. Parks. …
- Maidstone Museum. 280. Military Museums • Art Galleries. …
- Kent Owl Academy. 211. Nature & Wildlife Areas. …
- Kent Life. 840. Farms. …
- Cobtree Manor Park. 382. Parks. …
- Stoneacre. Historic Sites.
- Little Fant Farm. Farms.
Can you drive up Maidstone High Street?
Vehicle access
The High Street is a pedestrian zone. This means that vehicle access is restricted for all vehicles, except: Cycles and Taxis: They can access the High Street from King Street and Pudding Lane. Buses: They can access the High Street from King Street, Pudding Lane, Mill Street and Fairmeadow.
When was Maidstone built?
Maidstone’s town status was confirmed when, in 1549, it was incorporated. It had originally been governed by a portreeve, 12 brethren and 24 commoners under the direction of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Does Maidstone have a beach?
This East Hampton public beach located on Gardiner’s Bay is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and picknicking. It is an out-of-the-way beach with its own little cove, secret nooks and crannies, and a long jetty that kids love to climb.
What is the oldest building in Maidstone?
The Royal Albion pub for Shepherd Neame brewery is oldest building in Maidstone, Kent, England, UK, Britain.
Which Kent Council features a dinosaur on its coat of arms?
Maidstone is the only town in the UK to have a dinosaur on its coat of arms.
Is Maidstone in East or West Kent?
Kent is traditionally divided into East Kent and West Kent by the River Medway. However, some towns, such as the Medway Towns – Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham (although Rainham was annexed from Swale, and is thus considered part of East Kent) and Maidstone – lie on the east / south bank of the river.
What is Maidstone good for?
‘Kent’s county town, Maidstone, lies at the heart of the Garden of England. Here orchards and hop gardens surround romantic villages and must-see heritage sights. This lush landscape is home to captivating Leeds Castle, whose romantic towers and crenulations are reflected in a glittering lake.
What is there to do in Maidstone for kids?
Inspiration
- Kent Life – Heritage Farm Park. 1 Jan 201231 Dec 2012. …
- Hire Cruisers – Self-Drive Boat Rental. 1 Apr 201930 Oct 2019. …
- Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats. …
- Maidstone Museums. …
- Leeds Castle. …
- Cobtree Manor Park. …
- Mote Park Outdoor Adventure. …
- Mote Park.
Who lived at Allington Castle?
After nearly fifty years of occupation by a community of Carmelite friars and nuns, it returned to being a private residence in 1999 and is currently the home of Sir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company.
What is it like to live in Medway?
Medway is a place in which you can enjoy both living and working. A thriving business location but also within an easily commute to London and yet beautifully green with seven green flags accredited parks. It’s a great place to put down roots and make a life.
Is Ashford a nice place to live?
Ashford is an ideal place for many to move to as it is away from the hustle and bustle of London and surrounding cities (as well as Brussels and Paris which are accessible via train) but within close and easy access making it a great commuter town.
Is bearsted a safe place to live?
Bearsted is the safest small town in Kent, and is the third safest overall out of Kent’s 335 towns, villages, and cities. The overall crime rate in Bearsted in 2020 was 11 crimes per 1,000 people. This compares favourably to Kent’s overall crime rate, coming in 659% lower than the Kent rate of 85 per 1,000 residents.
What is the poshest county in England?
Crowned as the ‘poshest’ home county, Surrey topped the leader board followed by Oxfordshire. With the average property costing over £600,000, it’s no surprise this county is home to over 128 golf clubs and 120 Independent schools. Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Hampshire and Berkshire.
What is Kent famous for food?
Here are 8 of Kent’s traditional foods that showcase the “Garden of England”:
- Gypsy Tart. …
- Sandwich. …
- Ales. …
- Strawberries. …
- Canterbury Tart. …
- Whitstable Oysters. …
- Folkestone Pudding Pie. …
- Kentish Rarebit.
Why is Kent called the Garden of England?
Kent is sometimes known as the “Garden of England” for its abundance of orchards and hop gardens. In particular the county produces tree-grown fruits, strawberries and hazelnuts. Distinctive hop-drying buildings called oasts are common in the countryside, although many have been converted into dwellings.