A journey back in time
A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
ASHFORD
Ashford still obtains a strong sense of its past and is proud of its rich farming and cultural history .
Head to Ashford Museum , nestled in the town churchyard . Housed in a 17th century Grade II listed building , it ’ s a wheels of time museum providing all the information you need about Ashford ’ s historical buildings and other aspects of Ashford ’ s heritage . You can even take part in the heritage trail quiz – great fun for the kids . Take in the wonderful sight of St Mary ’ s Church , this building itself has borne witness to over 1,000 years of history . Ashford town is also home to an original WW1 Mark IV Tank dating back to 1919 , which is one of only seven left in the entire world . For a little ‘ out of town ’ history , head to Willesborough Windmill ; one of the largest smock mills in the South of England . The Windmill , a Grade II listed building , was built in 1869 and remained a working mill until the 1950s when it was purchased as a private dwelling .
Smallhythe Place © James Dobson / National Trust
TENTERDEN
With its ship faring and trading past dating back to the 15th century , the small village of Tenterden has a mighty past . By 1449 , Tenterden had joined the Cinque Ports Federation , supplying ships and men to fight against the French raiders . Later , the town flourished as a major weaving centre following the draining of Romney Marsh and the introduction of sheep to pasture there . Over the years , skilled Flemish settlers made home here and the town ’ s river ports at neighbouring Smallhythe and Reading Street , which are also nationally recognised shipbuilding centres . Tenterden ’ s coat of arms is widely regarded as one of the most impressive of all of the Cinque Ports .
Tenterden Museum opened in 1976 and is run entirely by volunteers . Here you ’ ll have the opportunity to dip back into 1,000 years worth of Tenterden and Cinque Port history . Wander around St Mildred ’ s Church ; the beautiful tower dates back to the 12th century and is Grade I listed . The church , dedicated to a prominent Saxon saint , is quite the sight towering over Tenterden ’ s High Street . Visit Smallhythe Place , the early 16thcentury half-timbered house once belonged to Victorian actress Ellen Terry and contains her fascinating collection .
Willesborough Windmill
52