HISTORY OF KENT
KENT/ˈkɛnt/
Kent is a County in Southeast England and one of the Home Counties. Its modern name is derived from the Brythonic word Cantus, meaning "rim" or "border." This name describes the eastern part of the current county area as a border land or coastal district.
Kent County is in Southeast England and is considered one of the home Counties. Its modern name comes from the Brythonic word "Cantus," which means "rim" or "border," reflecting its geography as a border region or coastal district. Kent borders Greater London to the northwest, Surrey to the west, and East Sussex to the southwest. The county town, Maidstone, serves as the administrative headquarters for Kent County Council due to its central location, making it accessible to residents from all parts of the County. The geography of Kent is genuinely unique and visually striking. On a clear day, the shores of France can be seen from Folkestone, while the iconic White Cliffs of Dover showcase the County's coastal beauty. The North Downs, the Greensand Ridge, and a series of valleys contribute to Kent's natural charm, and the County is home to most of the country's 26 castles. A large portion of Kent falls within the London commuter belt, and 28% of the County is designated as areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the North Downs and The Weald. Kent has a rich history of conflict and diplomacy, particularly between London and the Strait of Dover, which separates it from mainland Europe. The County has been occupied since the Paleolithic Era, with archaeological finds from the quarries at Swanscombe revealing much about its ancient past. The Medway Megaliths, a collection of ancient stone structures built during the Neolithic Era, are a testament to early human civilisation in Kent. These structures, believed to have been used as burial sites or religious monuments, provide fascinating insights into the County's ancient history. Evidence of a rich sequence of occupation can be found in archaeological finds such as the Ringlemere gold cup and the Roman villas of the Darent Valley, spanning the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman Era.
**YEAR - 51BC**
Julius Caesar referred to the region as Cantium, home to the Cantiaci tribe. By Roman Britain's time, the far west of County Kent was occupied by Iron Age tribes known as the Regnenses.
It is believed that the Roman army landed at Richborough, known as Rutupiae. Following the invasion, the Romans quickly established a military base and storage facilities to supply the garrison. Around AD 80-90, they constructed a colossal arch, 25 meters high and clad in marble, overlooking the harbour—an impressive symbol of conquest and a striking sight for newcomers.
The road now known as Watling Street began its journey under this arch, passing through Canterbury (Durovernum) and Rochester (Durobrivae) on its way to London (Londinium).
A town developed outside the fort during the second and third centuries. It continued to thrive into the later Roman period. A new fort was built in the late third century, at which point the dilapidated arch was repurposed as a watchtower.
Watling Street was established soon after the conquest, likely utilising earlier trackways, and became a focal point for settlement. Coastal transportation also played a crucial role, as many significant settlements during the Roman period were located along river estuaries. Areas with concentrations of sites included Thanet, the east Kent chalk formation, and the rivers Medway, Stour, Darent, and Cray. Canterbury emerged as the civitas centre, with a network of roads radiating from it to Reculver (Regulbium), Dover (Portus Dubris), and Lympne (Portus Lemanis).
Roman Canterbury lies buried beneath the modern city. Still, numerous archaeological excavations have been conducted, the most recent being the Whitefriars project.
The area already had a late Iron Age settlement, and a Roman-style redevelopment occurred around AD 70-80, with a theatre constructed by AD 90.
A road grid was established in the early second century. During this time, monumental public buildings were erected, including a significant temple whose size and decoration were comparable to Bath's. Defensive walls enclosed the town in the later third century but declined throughout the fourth century.
**5th CENTURY**
East Kent emerged as a kingdom of the Jutes. From around 730, it was referred to as Cantia and was recorded as Cent in 835.
The early medieval inhabitants of the area, known as the Cantwara or Kent people, considered Canterbury their cultural capital. With its rich heritage and tradition, this city continues to resonate throughout the County today, serving as a testament to Kent's unique cultural legacy that remains intriguing and inspiring.
**YEAR - 597 AD**
Pope Gregory I appointed Augustine of Canterbury, a religious missionary, as the first Archbishop of Canterbury. The year before, Augustine successfully converted King Æthelberht of Kent, who was pagan, to Christianity. The Diocese of Canterbury became Britain's first Episcopal see, with its first Cathedral, and it has since remained the centre of Christianity in Britain. The second designated English Cathedral was Rochester Cathedral, also located in Kent.
**11th CENTURY**
The people of Kent adopted the motto "Invicta," meaning "undefeated," following William of Normandy's invasion of Britain. Their continued resistance against the Normans led to Kent being designated a semi-autonomous county palatine in 1067, a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit.
Under the nominal rule of William's half-brother, Odo of Bayeux, the County was granted powers similar to those of areas bordering Wales and Scotland.
**YEAR - 1576**
In 1570, William Lambarde completed his work "Perambulation of Kent," which was later published. This book provides a historical description of Kent and is recognised as the first published county history.
**MEDIEVAL TIMES**
During the medieval period, Kent experienced several rebellions, including the Peasants' Revolt led by Wat Tyler and Jack Cade's Rebellion in 1450. Additionally, Thomas Wyatt led an army from Kent into London in 1553 to oppose Mary I.
Canterbury became a significant pilgrimage site following the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, who was canonised in 1246. This religious importance also inspired Geoffrey Chaucer's *Canterbury Tales*, which played a crucial role in developing the written English language and is set in the countryside of Kent.
Rochester had its own martyr, William of Perth. In 1256, Lawrence, the Bishop of Rochester, travelled to Rome to obtain William's canonisation.
In addition to numerous fortified manor houses, Kent has several military castles, including those at Allington, Chilham, Dover, Hever, Leeds, Rochester, and Walmer. These castles were built to protect the coast, the River Medway, and routes into London. Kent also played a significant role during the English Civil War around 1648.
**EARLY MODERN**
The Royal Navy first utilised the River Medway in 1547 when a storehouse was rented at 'Jyllingham Water'. By the reign of Elizabeth I (1558–1603), a small dockyard had been established at Chatham. By 1618, this facility included storehouses, a ropewalk, a dry dock, and houses for officials downstream of Chatham.
In the 17th century, tensions between Britain and the continental powers of the Netherlands and France prompted a military build-up in the County. Following a daring raid by the Dutch navy on the shipyards of the Medway towns in 1667, forts were constructed along the coast.
Wars with France dominated the 18th century, making the Medway a prime location for basing a fleet to act against the Dutch and French coasts.
These events highlight Kent's vital contribution to England's historical narrative, a legacy in which the County can take pride.
Throughout history, England relied on its coastal ports to supply warships, particularly utilising the Cinque Ports from the 12th to the 14th centuries. The Royal Navy began using the River Medway in 1547 and continued until the 20th century.
**17th Century:**
Tensions escalated between Britain, the Netherlands, and France, resulting in an increased military build-up in Kent.
**Year - 1618:**
A small dockyard was established at Chatham, accompanied by storehouses, a ropewalk, a drydock, and residences for officials located downstream.
**Year - 1667:**
A raid on the Medway occurred when the Dutch navy successfully attacked the shipyards in the Medway towns. In response, forts were constructed all along the coast.
**18th CENTURY**
The 18th century was marked by numerous wars with France, during which the Medway served as the primary base for a fleet operating along the Dutch and French coasts. As the theatre of operations shifted to the Atlantic, Portsmouth and Plymouth took over this role. At the same time, Chatham focused on shipbuilding and repairs, highlighting Kent's significant economic contributions. Notably, the first Ordnance Survey map ever created was a one-inch map of Kent, published in 1801..
**19th CENTURY**
During the 19th century, smugglers were highly active along the Kent coastline, including notable groups such as the Aldington Gang. One of the Smugglers' Trails runs between Goudhurst and the Sussex coast via Hawkhurst, which was notorious for the activities of the infamous Hawkhurst Gang.
**YEAR - 1889**
In 1889, the County of London was established around the financial city of London. As a result, the townships of Deptford, Greenwich, Woolwich, Lee, Eltham, Charlton, Kidbrooke, and Lewisham were transferred from Kent to Greater London.
**YEAR - 1900**
By 1900, Kent had acquired the area of Penge; parts of Kent, particularly around Dartford, remained neighbouring areas of the Greater London sprawl.
**WORLD WAR II**
Kent played a crucial role in many of World War II's most significant offensive and defensive operations. The region was home to multiple Royal Air Force (RAF) bases, many of which are now disused or have disappeared entirely.
In 1940, Kent contributed to Operation Dynamo. This Dunkirk evacuation rescued over 338,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk in northern France. Pilots stationed at Biggin Hill, Manston, Lympne, Hawkinge, Eastchurch, Rochester, and Detling worked tirelessly to fend off the Luftwaffe. Meanwhile, the men and women on the ground—including gunners, radar operators, WAAFs, and airfield crews—played vital roles in this effort.
Throughout the war, many towns in Kent suffered from bombing raids, resulting in heavy casualties on the ground. Although thousands sought refuge underground to escape the raids, they were not entirely safe. In 1942, Canterbury faced a severe assault when high explosives and incendiary bombs were dropped on the city for 75 minutes. This attack destroyed hundreds of historic buildings and flattened entire streets, yet miraculously, the Cathedral was spared.
Ramsgate, Folkestone, and Dover endured almost constant attacks during the conflict. For much of the war, the Germans effectively controlled the English Channel and indiscriminately shelled the Kent coast. Due to the intense fighting in the frontline coastal towns, the area earned the nickname "Hellfire Corner."
From June 1944 to March 1945, much of the Battle of Britain unfolded in the skies above Kent. Over 10,000 V1 flying bombs, commonly known as "Doodlebugs," were launched at London from bases in northern France. While many of these bombs were intercepted by aircraft, anti-aircraft guns, and barrage balloons, around 2,500 of them still struck both London and Kent.
In the lead-up to D-Day, Kent became the backdrop for one of the war's most elaborate deceptions—Operation Fortitude. This operation aimed to convince the Germans that the Allied invasion of Northwest Europe would begin in the Pas de Calais area by creating a vast dummy army. In reality, the actual invasion, known as Operation Overlord, successfully delivered 185,000 troops to the Normandy coast. This deception was vital to the success of D-Day, as it kept numerous German divisions occupied in the Calais area.
**AFTER THE WAR**
The rebuilding of many areas began, and Kent's borders underwent several changes.
**YEAR - 1965**
The London boroughs of Bromley and Bexley were created from nine towns that were formerly part of Kent: Belvedere, Biggin Hill, Beckenham, Petts Wood, Chelsfield, Shooters Hill, Erith, Bexleyheath, and Welling. Additionally, a small part of present-day East London, specifically the North Woolwich area (E16), was no longer considered part of the County when the London Borough of Newham was established.
**YEAR - 1998**
Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, and Rainham separated from the administrative County of Kent to form the Unitary Authority of Medway. An administrative oversight led to the City of Rochester losing its official city status during this reorganisation.
**YEAR - 2004**
Leeds Castle in Maidstone hosted the Northern Ireland peace talks.
**INDUSTRIES**
Kent, often called 'The Garden of England,' is known for its abundant fruit-growing and hop gardens. The County has a rich industrial heritage, with major industries including haulage, logistics, and tourism. Additional sectors such as coal mining, aggregate building materials, printing, and scientific research contribute to the local economy in Northwest Kent. This diversity is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people in the region.
A significant portion of Kent is situated within the London commuter belt, and 28% of the County is designated as two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: The North Downs and The Weald.
**INVASIONS**
The invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar began from the sandy shores of Pegwell Bay, located at the most easterly tip of Kent, between Ramsgate and Sandwich. Caesar's account of the invasion describes how the fleet set sail from France on the night of July 4 but was swept eastward by currents when the wind died down. Early the next day, the crew spotted England and rowed westward to reach land around noon. Caesar wrote that the fleet was left at anchor on a smooth, open shore. Still, a high tide combined with a storm caused significant damage to the ships, causing them to break anchor and collide. The general ordered the ships to be drawn onto the beach and had thousands of artisans repair the damage.
Pegwell Bay is the only large bay on the east coast of Kent with enough open sandy shore to accommodate the vast fleet. With at least 20,000 men and 2,000 horses to disembark, the ships would have occupied over a kilometre of beach upon their arrival. The British initially opposed the landing but, upon seeing the size of the fleet, retreated to higher ground, thought to be on the Isle of Thanet, around Ramsgate.
Although Caesar returned to France without leaving an occupying army, the treaties he established between Rome and British royal families led to the rulers of southeast England becoming client kings of Rome. These allegiances may have facilitated the invasion by Emperor Claudius nearly 100 years later in AD 43 via Richborough. This conquest was likely rapid, probably because the kings in this region were already allied with Rome, marking the beginning of the permanent Roman occupation of Britain, which extended into Wales and parts of Scotland, lasting almost 400 years. This suggests that Claudius later capitalised on Caesar's legacy..
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The peoples of Thanet witnessed some of the earliest and most important events in the nation's history: Claudius's invasion, which initiated the period of Roman rule; St. Augustine's mission to bring Christianity; and the arrival of the Saxons, celebrated through the tradition of Hengist and Horsa. Archaeological remains at Ebbsfleet, near Ramsgate, appear to be a Roman base from the first century AD.
Under the preceding Romano-British administration, Kent faced repeated attacks from seafaring raiders during the fourth century CE. Germanic-speaking foederati were likely invited to settle in the area as mercenaries. After the Roman administration ended in 410, more linguistically Germanic tribal groups moved into the region.
The earliest recorded king of Kent was Æthelberht, who, as Bretwalda, wielded significant influence over other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the late sixth century. The Christianization of the Anglo-Saxons began in Kent under Æthelberht's reign, with the arrival of the monk Augustine of Canterbury and his Gregorian mission in 597. Kent was one of the seven traditional kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy. Still, it lost its independence in the 8th century when it became a sub-kingdom of Mercia. In the 9th century, it became a sub-kingdom of Wessex. By the 10th century, it was incorporated into the unified Kingdom of England, formed under Wessex's leadership. Its name has persisted ever since as the County of Kent.
Kent was one of the first counties in England to feel the effects of the Norman invasion. In 1066, Duke William of Normandy sailed across the English Channel from France with his troops, intending to invade and conquer England. The Norman ships landed at Pevensey Bay in Sussex and were soon confronted by an English army led by King Harold. A bloody battle ensued near Hastings, resulting in a Norman victory and the death of the English king.
Eager to claim the throne of England, Duke William made his way to London. The most direct route was through the Wealden Forest, a treacherous maze of muddy tracks. Lacking local knowledge of the quickest path, William had to divert his journey and march through Kent instead. The people of Kent adopted the motto "Invicta," which means "undefeated," claiming that they frightened the Normans away. However, the Normans merely used Kent to reach London, largely ignoring most East Kent due to the peasants attacking them at every turn.
**ROMNEY**
On his journey, William heard that the men from a nearby coastal town called Romney were attacking his ships. He immediately ordered a contingent of his soldiers to sack the town. With Romney now subdued, he could keep his forces close to his boats and continue his journey with satisfaction.
**CANTERBURY**
Canterbury is the religious centre of the Anglican faith and the see of Saint Augustine of Canterbury. Augustine is traditionally credited with bringing Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England, landing at Ebbsfleet in Pegwell Bay on the Isle of Thanet (northeast of Kent) in the spring of 597.
**SMUGGLERS**
In the early 19th century, smugglers were active along the Kent coastline. Gangs like the Aldington Gang brought spirits, tobacco, and salt into Kent while smuggling goods like wool across the English Channel to France.
Wool was Britain's major export for centuries. Smuggling became concentrated in Kent, where sheep farming was a significant industry, and access to the sea allowed for discreet operations. The sheep farmers of the marshes were known as "Owls" due to their unique verbal signalling methods used to aid the smuggling of their high-quality products to the continent. This trade, known as "owling," involved exchanging brandy and other spirits for wool.
The roots of smuggling lay in the desire to avoid import duties. Successive governments in the 18th and 19th centuries imposed high taxes on imported goods, making the trade acceptable—essentially a way to cheat the government in response to their perceived cheating of the taxpayers. Many wealthy and influential individuals supported the trade by purchasing the contraband, lending it an air of respectability.
The smuggling trade eventually became romanticised, with figures like Smuggler Bill emerging as heroes, depicted as 'Free Traders.' From 1700 to 1840, smuggling peaked, involving numerous significant gangs. Despite the appearance of legitimacy promoted by specific well-known figures, the reality was far more sinister. The trade was characterised by blackmail, extortion, murder, violence, villainy, and greed long before it was taken to new heights by the organised gangs of the 18th and 19th centuries.
As Kent's economy declined, smuggling became more widespread. By the 18th century, records showed a stark divide between the rich and the poor. A worker might earn seven shillings a week to support his family while joining the smugglers for one night could yield ten shillings.
Smugglers typically used shallow-draught luggers made of cheap wood, designed for short-term use, to land cargo on the remote beaches and bays of Kent. The famous symbols of the smuggling trade—such as 'tub men,' strings of pack horses, lookouts in church towers using lamps, and brandy barrels hidden in churches—have been romanticised in literature. Kent has a rich history associated with smuggling, with many local connections. The notorious Hawkhurst Gang is particularly well-documented.
The government enacted legislation to control the trade in response to smuggling. In 1746, anyone caught smuggling faced the death penalty, with the most severe punishment being execution by hanging in chains, a fate met by several convicted smugglers. Additionally, rewards were offered for information leading to the arrest of smugglers; at that time, £500 was a substantial sum, underscoring the significance of addressing the issue.
Local populations began to push back against the smugglers, who used threats and violence to maintain control. In Goudhurst, for example, residents formed a militia to defend themselves against the terror imposed by local gangs.
William Pitt the Younger vehemently opposed smuggling and worked tirelessly to eradicate it. He recognised the negative impact of smuggled goods on the nation's economy, noting that by 1783, 20% of all imported goods were smuggled. To combat this, he introduced bills in Parliament aimed at lowering duties and encouraging legal imports. One such effort was the Hovering Bill of 1787, which extended customs officials' authority to twelve miles offshore. This initiative prompted the establishment of the Coastguard Service. However, when war with France broke out in 1794, taxes were raised again to fund military efforts, leading to a resurgence in smuggling.
By this time, the "Preventatives" or Riding Officers were actively monitoring coastal towns, marking a high-risk occupation with many officers suffering injuries or fatalities in the line of duty. Starting in 1798, the involvement of fast, well-built naval cutters made it increasingly difficult for smuggling vessels to slip into remote bays unnoticed. Despite this, the trade continued, and locations such as Dymchurch, Sheerness, and the Romsey Marshes became battlegrounds for fierce confrontations between smugglers and preventative officers. On one notable occasion, as many as 3,000 men were recorded participating in such clashes along the coast of Kent.
During the Napoleonic Wars, smuggling vessels also engaged in espionage, prompting the formation of a Coastal Blockade, which lasted until its disbandment in 1831, in response to the threat to national security. By that time, smuggling was in decline as local communities had grown weary of the violence and horrific retaliation faced by anyone who opposed the trade.
**REBELLION**
On the night of Saturday, August 28, 1830, a widespread uprising by rural workers began in East Kent, marked by the destruction of threshing machines in the Elham Valley area. By the third week of October, the rebels had destroyed over one hundred machines. This uprising, later known as the Swing Riots, spread across southern England and East Anglia. The general unrest, particularly concerning the condition of workhouses, played a significant role in introducing the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834.