Tenterden: Guide

Tenterden is a small town in the Ashford (borough)|Ashford District of Kent, England. It stands on the edge of the Weald, overlooking the valley of the River Rother (Eastern)|River Rother.

The town's name is derived from the Old English "Tenet Waraden", meaning a den or forest clearing in the forest which belonged to the men of Isle of Thanet|Thanet.

History

The town grew from the 14th century around the Wealden cloth industry|wool industry; although, unlike other such centres in the Weald, it had the advantage of access to the sea. Much of what is now Romney Marsh was under water, and ships docked at Smallhythe. Timber from the Wealden forests was used to construct ships, and in 1449 Tenterden was incorporated into the Confederation of Cinque Ports as a limb of Rye. Ships built in the town were then used to help Rye fulfil its quota for the Crown.

A school was in existence here in 1521; later (in 1666) it was referred to as a grammar school.

The town

Town Council

For the purposes of local government, the town is divided into four ward (politics)|wards: North, South, West and St Michaels. The latter is the part of the town to the north (see below).

Churches & chapels

There are two parish church|parish churches:
St Mildred's is in the main part of the town. The church dates from the 12th Century, and was progressively enlarged until 1461, when the distinctive tower was constructed. It was one of the churches in the 1588 system of warning beacons
St Michael's The suburb now called St Michael's was known as Boresisle until Victorian times, when a church dedicated to St Michael was built to serve this community. The church was consecrated in 1863, but construction of the steeple took a further 12 years.

The Unitarian Chapel, originally called the Old Meeting House, was built c1695. A plaque on the wall records that Dr Benjamin Franklin worshipped here in 1783, where he was to hear Joseph Priestley preach.

The town

Tenterden's broad tree-lined High Street offers a selection of shopping facilities, making the town a centre for a number of villages in the area. Tourist attractions draw the visitors: especially the Kent & East Sussex Railway heritage railway|line to Bodiam; a local vineyard; and the Tenterden Folk Festival, held on the weekend of the first Saturday in October each year since 1993.

Tenterden is an important nodal centre with routes radiating to A262).

Homewood school is also situated in Tenterden.

Famous connections

Nicki French International singer/songwriter is from the area
William Caxton (of printing press fame) is reputed to have been born in the town.
National Trust.
Sir David Frost (broadcaster)|David Frost was born in the town.
Tom Chaplin, from Keane, lives in the area
Donald Sinden, the actor, lives in the area. See also Sinden Theatre
Jazz Dhiman, the actor, lives in the area

Population

The district had a population of 7,600 at the 2001 census.

Sports

Tenterden Town Football Club, established in 1889, is based off the High Street, along Recreation Ground Road. After many seasons of varied fortunes, for the 2006/07 season they have two teams, the 1st XI compete in the Kent County League, and the Reserve XI compete in the Canterbury & District Football League, both on a Saturday afternoon. Most notably, Tenterden's ground hosts the annual Weald of Kent Charity Cup Final, a final which Tenterden themselves played in during the 2000/01 season, however narrowly lost out to Tyler Hill in a 3-1 defeat.
Tenterden Cricket Club is based just off the High Street, along Smallhythe Road.
The 2007 Tour de France races through the town, along the A28 road|A28 on July 8th, with a sprint for the Maillot vert (green jersey) taking place in Tenterden.

External links