was a Chappell dedicated to the Virgin Mary and called the Chappell of our Lady of Court at Strete ALL HOLLOWES ALl Saints lieth at the North side of the County neere the Isle of Greane in the Bailiwick and hundred of Hoo Lath of Aylssord West Division of the County and North Division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanry and Diocess of Rochester the liberty of the late Bishop of Rochester claymeth there and the Church was called All Saints ALLINGTON ASlington lieth towards the middle of the County by the River Medway about one mile towards the North distant from Maidstone in the Bailiwick of Hoo Hundred of Larkefeild Lath of Aylesford West Division of the County and South Division of Justices in that Lath the liberty of Maidstone claymeth over the same It was in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester there are ruines of an old Castle where Sir Thomas Wyat Thelder built a faire house The Castle was antiently built by the Noble Family of Columbarij in the time of the Saxons afterwards razed by the Dâ—nes and after the conquest rebuilded by Earle Warren from whom it came to the Lord Fitz-Hughes and by his Daughter and heire to Sir Giles Astington of whom both it and the Parish took the Name but before it was called the Castle of Medway Sir Stephen of Penchester Constable of Dovor Castle in the time of King Edward â— was for some time owner of this Castle and built there a faiâ—e Tower called Solomen's Tower St. ALPHAGE PArt of this Parish viz. the Borough of Staplâ—gate otherwise Stablegate is in the County of Kent Bailiwick of Bridge and Petham Hundred of Westgate Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County Division of Justices in that Lath and liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury but the Church is in the County of the City of Canterbury and the whole Parish was in the Deanâ—y and Diocess of Canterbury APLEDORE APuldore Apuldre Apultree Apeldre lieth at the South-side of the County by the River Rother about four miles a half toward the South-east distant from Tenterden in the Bailiwick of the seven hundreds part thereof viz. upon the Ree wall to Red hill is in the liberty of the Town and Port of New Romney and division of Justices of that Town and Port and the residue is in the hundred of Blackborne some small part whereof is in the liberty of Romny Marsh and division of the Justices of that Corporation but the residue of this Parish is in the lower division of Justices in the Lath of Scray in which Lath all the faid Parish is it likewise is all in the West division of the County was in the Deanry of Limpne and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Peter and Paul A Fare is kept here yearly upon the day of St. Barnaby being the Eleventh day of Iune The Liberty of the I to Dean of Cunterbury claimeth over the Mannor of Apledore which was given to that Church as some affirm by Edsinus Arch-Deacon there in the year 1032. in the time of King Canutus but others affirm that that King gave the same to that Edsinus to the use of the said Church and the same afterwards coming to King Hen 8. he 33. of his Raigne again gave the same to that Church This Liberty claimeth over all the parish except so much thereof as is in the Borough of great Kenarton and hath in it at Court Leet extending it self over two Borought viz. Town-borough and Hoth-borough the Borsholders thereof are there chosen not at the Court Leet holden for the Hunderd of Blockborn nor do the inhabitants of these Boroughs ow any service to the Court Leet of the said Hundred onely at that Court a Constable may be chosen out of either of those Boroughs for that hundred in this parish stood a small Castle which in the year 892. in the time of King Alfred was taken and demolished by the Danes and 〈◊〉 thereof they there built and fortified a bigger but what became of the same afterwards I finde not onely it is probable that the same was ruined by the French who 10 th August 13â—0 burnt the Town and by tradition upon the ruines of that Castle the present Church was builded the scituation whereof rendreth the same probable The Liberty of St. Augustine claymeth in this Parish and the Marshes about the Town were inned in the year 1349. ASH neer SANDWICH LIeth towards the East-end of the County about two miles towards the West distant from Sandwich in the Bailiwick of Eastry Hundred of Wingham Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath the liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there it was the Deanry of Bridge and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Nicholas which Church untill the year 1282 was a Chappel to Wingham and Richborough was anciently a Chappel to this In this Church are or lately were many antient monuments and memorials of the interment of severall antient Families viz Goshall and Liverick Knights Septvans St. Nicholas Harfleet Clitherow and Kiriell ASH neer WROTHAM LIeth towards the West side of the County about three miles towards the North distant from Wrotham in the Bayliwick of Sutton Dartford Hundred of Axstone Lath of Sutton at Hone West division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanry and Diocess of Rochester the Church was called St. Peter and Paul and the liberty of the Dutchy of Lancaster claymeth in this Parish ASHERST LIeth at the South-west edge of the County adjoyning to Sussex about five miles towards the South west distant from Tunbridge in the Bailiwick of the Lowy of Tunbridge Hundred of Wachlingstone Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and South division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester and the liberty of the Dutchy of Lancaster claimeth at Chaford in this Parish The Church was once famous for a Rood or Crucifix miraculously growing as was pretended of which who so desires to read more I refer him to Mr. Lamberts Perambulation in Ashyrst ASHFORD EShetisford Echetiford Etishford Eshford lieth towards the South-east part of the County by the River antiently called Eshe or Eshet now Stoure about three miles and a half towards the South distant from Wye in the Bailiwick of Chart and Longbridge Lath of Scray East division of the County and division of the Justices in the Lath of Shipway In this Parish is a pretty Town wherein a Market is kept upon every Saturday and two Faires yearly viz. one upon the day of St. Iohn Port Latin being the sixth day of May granted by King Edw. 4. in the fifth year of his Raigne to the Dean and Chanons of St. Stephens Westminster then owners of the Mannor of Ashford and the other upon the day of the Decollation of St. Iohn
of Justâ—ces in that Lath. The liberty oâ— the â—â—te Archbishop of Canterbury claâ—meth there â—nd â—he lâ—â—erty of St. Augustine claimeth over tâ—e Mannoâ—râ—â— of Râ—pole It was in tâ—e Deaâ—ry of Sandwich and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Maries ROCHESTER THis is a City incorporated and lyeth towards the Nâ—â—th side of the County by the river Medway about six miles and a half towards the North distant from Maidstone in the Bailiwick of Hoo Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and division of the Justices of that City The liberty whereof claimeth over the same And the liberty of the late Bishop of Rochester also claimeth over the Precincts of the late Catâ—edral there It was in the Deanry and Diocess of Rochester and the Parish Church was called St. Nicholas A Market is kept here upon every Fryday And two Fairs yearly one upon St. Dunstans day being the 19th day of May and the other upon St. Andrews day being the 30th day of November Here are several things worthy to be inlarged upon viz. the Castle the City the Cathedral and Priory and the Bridge of all which in order And first of the Castle Iulius Caesar about 1700. years since in the time of Cassibelanus Governour of Britain commanded the same to be built according to the Romane order to awe the Britains and the same was called the Castle of Medway but time and tempests utterly decaying the same Oesâ— or Vske King of Kent about 1150. years since caused Hroff one of his chief Councellours and Lord of this place to build a new Castle upon the old foundation and hereupon it took the name of Hroffes Cester About 350 years afterwards Hasting the Dane besieged and much impaired the same And it afterwards lay desolate till the time of King William the Conquerour who caused it to be new built and put 500. souldiers for a guard therein To which work Odo Earle of Kent and brother of that King was a great Beneâ—actor Afterwards in the year 1088. in the time of King W. Rufus That Odo and other Barous held this Castle against him the same being then accounted the strongest and most important Castle of England And his subjects being backward to assist him He proclaimed him to be accounted a Niding which was then a word of high reproach that came not to his assistance whereupon multitudes came and the resistants were forced to yeeld the same to the King And Gunâ—ulphus a Norman then Bishop of Roâ—hester repaired and fortified the same and built the great Tower therein Afterwards in the 17. year of King Iohn the Barons held this Castle against him but he took the same And in the year following Lewes son of Philip King of France likewise took the same And King Hen. 3. afterwards gave it to Guy of Rochford a Pâ—ictovin who was afterwards banished and thereby lost the same Afterwards in the year 1264. Simon Earle of Leicester besiedged the same and won the Bridge and fiâ—st gate and then left the siege Afterwards 5. Rich. 2. the Commons of this County strongly besieged this Castle and by force took a prisoner out of the same And thus this Castle ran to decay and the old walls afterwards fâ—lling King Edw. 4. repaired both the same and the Castle As concerning the City I find it to have been of very great Antiquity but hath had several great misfortunes for about 980. years since the same was wasted by Ethelred King of the Mercians About 200. years afterwards it was assaulted by the Danes who made a stâ—ong Castle before the gate thereof but were chased away by the then King Aelfred About 1â—0 years afterwards it was assaulted and subdued by King Ethelred the West Saxon King Afterwards 7. May 1130. the same was much defaced by fire King Hen. 1. and many of his Nobles then being present at the Consecration of the Cathedral Church there 3. Iune 1137. the same was again almost all consumed with fire The like againe happened there 3. April 1177. So that It continued desolate till the time of King Hen. 3. at which time it was again repaired I finde but one Parish and Church to have been here more than now is and that was called St. Clement which in the time of King Edw. 6. was by Parliament united unto the aforesaid Parish of St. Nicholas I finde also three Mint Houses to have been granted by King Ethelstan about the year 930. to be in this City viz two for the King and one for the Bishop And 8. Decemb. 1251. King Hen. 3. held a Just here As concerning the Cathedral and Priory The same were built by King Ethelbert in the year 600. and dedicated to the honour of God and St. Andrew Endowed with lands called Priest Feilds and Channons were put into the same But the severall devastations aforesaid of the City by the Mercians Danes and West Saxons also caused the decay both of this Church and Priory both which were new builded by the aforesaid Gundulphus being Bishop there about the year 1080. And instead of six Priests at his coming found therein he placed there 60 black Monks of the ord of St. Benedict And translâ—ted into the new Church the bodies of Paulinus a Romane by Birth and others his Predecessors Bishops of that Sea which were buried in the former to which new Church Earnulphus Bishop there in the time of King Hen. 1. was a great Benefactor And to make this Church more famous about the year 1087 The aforesaid Paulinus who had been dead 440. years before was Canonized for a Saint and inshrined in Silver by Lanfranck then Archbishop of Canterbury and many Devotions and Oblations were made to the same But by the aforesaid seveâ—all fires Siege of King Iohn and long contentions and suits beâ—ween Gilbert Glanvill Bishop there and the Monks of the same wherein the Monks were driven to such necessity that they made out the aforesaid Shrine into moâ—ey The aforesaid Church and Priory fell into great decay and diâ—esteem and ran much in debâ— Aâ—terwards in the year 1250 Laurence of St. Martin becoming Bishop of that Sea one William of Hoo being keeâ—er of the Treasury of the Church built 〈◊〉 whole Quire thereof Richard Walden a Monk there built the south Isle Richard Eastgate another Moâ—k began the North Isle And 〈◊〉 William of Axenhâ—m almost finished the same Ieâ—fry of Haddenham Prioâ— theâ—e paid most of the debts and built the Dorter of the Pâ—iory and St. Edmunds Altar in the Church and thus it was again reedified anâ— began to come into esteem and the more to increase the repute thereof whereas one William a Scot was murdered neer this City in his jouâ—ney towards the Holy Land and buried in that Church he was by the aforesaid Bishop Laurence about the year 1256. procured to be Canonized for a Saint to whose Shrine was great resort and gifts and the wealth and repute of this Church was much encreased
from the stocks but more remarkably in this Parish WYE WI Lieth towards the southeast part of the County by the river Stoure about three mlies and a halfe towards the Northeast distant from Ashford in the Bailiwick of Chart and Longbridge Hundred of Wye Lath of Scray East division of the County and division of Justices in the Lath of Shipway The liberâ—y of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there but the liberty of Wye claimeth over the same where is hâ—ld a Court of Record upon every Monday three weeks for determining all actions both reall personal mixt It was in the Deanry of Bridge and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Gregory and St. Martin which Church was Collegiate so made by Archbishop Iohn Kempe herein after mentioned about 210. years since And in the same is or lately was a memoriall of the interment of Thomas Kempe and Beatrice his wife Father and Mother of the said Archbishop about 230. years since And of one Andrew very antient The Steeple of this Church had antiently a long spire which was fired by lightning to the stone-work King William the Conquerour having oâ—tained victory over King Harold at a place then called Herst in Sussex founded there a Monastery which upon that occasion he named as still it is called Battle And to the same he gave the Mannour of Wye aforesaid by the name of his Royall Mannâ—ur oâ— Wye which then had 22. hundredâ— and a half subject to the same and royall liberties and customs And his grant mentioneth the same to have been of the Demesnes of his Crown which gift King Hen. 1. confirmed And at this Mannour house King Edw. 2. in the first year of his raign kept a royall Christmass The aforesaid Iohn Kempe born in this Parish whose Father was mean though descended from a younger brother of a good Family became Doctor of the Laws Archdeacon of Durham Dean of the Arches Vicar generall to Archbishop Stafford his predecessor in the Sea of Canterbury Bishop of Rochester afterwards of Chichestâ—r afterwards of London and afterwards Archbishop of York twice Lord Chancellour of England and Cardinal of St. Balbin afterwards 11. of Decemb. 1452. Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal of St. Rufine and in the time of King Hen. 6. founded here a Colledge of Secular Priests the head whereof was a Prebend These he appointed for divine Service and to teach the youth of that Parish which Colledge at the surrender thereof 36. Hen. 8. was valued at 93l 2s 0d ob per annum Much hath formerly been boasted of a precious fountain in this Parish working miracles touching which I refer them that desire further satisfaction to Mr. Camdens Britannia fol. 335. A Market is kept in this Town upon every Thursday and a faire yearly upon the day of St. Gregory being the 12. day of March. YALDING LIeth towards the middle of the West part of the County by the river Medway about fouâ—e miles towards the south distant from West Malling in the Bailiwick of Twyford Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and south division of Justices in that Lath. Most part thereof is in the Hundred of Tâ—yford and the residue viz. the Borough of Rugmerhill is in the antient 〈◊〉 of Ayleâ—ford So much of this Parish as is held of the Mannour of West Farley is in the Borough of West Farley The Borsholder whereof is chosen at the Court Leet there and so much thereof as is held of the Mannour of Hunton is within the Borough of Hunton and the Boâ—â—hâ—lder thereâ—â—f is châ—sen at the Court Leet there and the inhabitants of neither of these Boroughs ow service to the Court Leet holden for the Hundred of Twyford within which Hundâ—ed they both are But at that Court a Constable for that Hundred may be chosen out of either of these Boroâ—ghs This Parish was all in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester The Church standeth in the Hundred of Twyford and was called St. Peter and Paul A Faire is kept here yearly upon Easter Tuesday And thus having treated of the aforesaid severall Parishes and places in this County of Kent and considering that the City of Canterbury and the County thereof is compassed about with the County of Kent and was formerly parcell of the same as still the Castle there is I though fit likewise to treat something thereof But in respect so much and so fully hâ—th been formerly written of the same and of the said Castle and more especially by the aforesaid Mr. Lambard in his peramâ—ulation of Kent and Mr. William Somner in his antiquities of Canterbury printed in the year 1640. the last whereof hath so elaborately judiciously fully wrote of the same That there is lest but little if anything observable that I know of not there set down I shall therefore only briefly touch upon the same And first of the City which lyeth towards the Northeast part of Kent by the river Sâ—oure about seven miles towards the East distant from Feversham And doubtless is one of the most antient Cities now in the Nation and aâ—tiently called Caergant or the Court of Kenâ—ish-men It is reported by some to have been founded with Winchester in Hampshire and Shaâ—tsbury in Dorseâ—sâ—ire by 〈◊〉 otherwise 〈◊〉 King of Britain almost 2500. years since The truth whereof may be questionable for that it is believed for certain that Shafâ—â—buâ—y was founded by King Alfred many hundred years afterwards But as certain as it is that this City of Canterbury was famous in the time of the Roâ—ane Government here and in the time of Ethelbert King of Kenâ— above 1050. years since This was his chiefe City and place of residence which afterwards was by Aethelâ—stan inriched with seven Mints viz. foure for himself two for the Archbishop and one for the Abbot And for divers Centuries afterwards this City was the chief place of Kent governed by a Pâ—aeâ—ect Porâ—reve Bailiffe or Provest untill that in the year 1449. it came to be governed by a Mayor and so hath â—ver since continued And in the year 1461. it was made a County of it self It is an antient Corporation antiently a Hundred and within the division of the Justices of the same A Market is kept here upon every Wednesday and Saterday Twenty Churches were anciently in this City and the Suburbs thereof seventeen whereof viz. St. Alphage St. Andrew St. Mary Bredman St. Mary Breeden Holy Cross Westgate â—t George St. Margaret St. Mary Magdalen St. Mary Noâ—â—hgâ—te St. Mildred St. Peter All-saints St. Mary Castle St. Edmund St. Iohn St. Mary Queeningate and St. Michael were in the City And the other three viz. St. Dunstan St. Martin and St. Paul were in the Suburbs All which Parishes were in the Deâ—nry and Diocess of Canterbury and are still in being except St. Mary Castle St. Edmund St. Iohn St. Mary Queeningate and St. Michael which are demolished The liberty of the late Dean of
East side is about 38. miles But in a straight line the same is but about 31. miles From tâ—ence about to th' end of Cowden being the south side is about 39. miles but in a straight line it is but about 33. miles And from thence about to the aforesaid end of Depâ—ford being the west side is about 24. miles but in a straight line the same is but about 21. miles So the whole circumâ—erence round about this County is about 162. miles but in the straight lines aforesaid the same is but about 136. miles I finde severall derivations of the names of this County viz. of the antient name Cantium and the now name Kent but with submission to better judgments I rather adhere to their opinion that conceive the names to be derived from the scituation of the place viz. in a nook or corner of England antiently called a Kant or Gantel The Inhabitants of this County were sometimes called Eskins which name arose by Eske second King of Kent raigning over them many yeers but his memory vanishing the name also vanished The aire of this County other than the weald and the marshes and places adiacent thereunto is accounted very healthy but the marshes for the most part unhealthy and the weald and places adjoyning to the marshes not generally so healthy as the most part of the rest of the County The commodious scituation of this County may justly compare with if not exceed any other part of the Nation the same being scituate neer but some little distance from London the chief City and the Thames that Soveraign River of Britaine watering the North side thereof about 33. miles in length The German and narrow Seas watering the North East and South sides thereof about 73. miles in length and the River of Rother likewise watering the South side thereof about 11. miles in length It also having severall good rivers and rivuleâ—s in the bowels of the same and more especially towards the West parts thereof Ravensborne watering the same 9. miles Cray 8. miles and Darent 16. miles famous Medway towards the middle spreading it self into severall branches watereth the same about 85. miles and Stoure towards the East parts thereof likewise spreading it self into severall branches watereth the same about 60. miles By which Rivers most of the most eminent places of this County are watered and navigation maintained to the principall of them How far this County is otherwise equall to if not excelling any other County of this Nation I shall offer to the Readers judgement these considerations First Concerning Religion I know that Glastenbury in the County of Somerset doth pretend and not pretend only that about the 31 th year after the death of Christ 12. of the Disciples of the Apostle Philip of which Ioseph of Arimathea was cheif came into this Nation and tendred the knowledge of Christian Religion to Arviragus then King thereof which though he consented not to embrace yet he permitted them to have a Church at this Glastenbury and there began the plantation of Christian Religion in this land which being admitted yet it likewise appeareth That for many years the same had but little successe of enâ—â—â—ale and no King of this Nation embraced the same till King Lucius who raigned about 150. years afterwards and built a Church in Dover Castle in this County for the exercise of Christian Religion from whence may be inferred that that Religion was the embraced here But most part of the Nation revolting fâ—om that Religion and becoming Pagans till the year 596. In the time of the Heptarchy Augustine the Monk was sent from Pope Gregory to convert this Naâ—ion to the Christian faith and first landed in this County and converted and baptised many of the people of the same and likewise converted Ethelbert then King thereof who upon Whitsunday in the year 597. was by him here baptised was the first Christian Saxon King and this County was the first County that generally received the Christian faith afterwards Edwin King of the Northumbers Marrying from hence Edelburg Daughter of the said King Ethelbert Paulinus afterwards Bishop of Rochester went from hence with her into her husbands Kingdome for the conversion of the people thereof where in some part he prevailed but in the year 633. Edwin being slain that people revolted from that Religion and Paulinus was forced to returne again hither and Christian Religion was again as it were confined to this County Nor were succession of Christian Bishops in this Nation other than of Canterbury and Rochester both in this County for many years afterwards and instrumentally from thence sprang the after-conversion of the rest of the Nation to the Christian faith But the coÌ„version of the West Saxons with in whose Dominion Glastenbury was was not till about 40. years after the conversion of this County At which time Kingils their King was converted and baptised by Byrinus an Italian Bishop This County as before appeareth had in it two Bishops Seas one whereof viz. Canterbury was the Primate and Metropolitan of all England And his Church very anciently called the Nurse and Metropolis of the same By which and by what is hereafter said may be collected thâ—t the rise of that common proverbe Kent and Christendome was not as vulgarly mistaken that Kent was conceived diffinct from Christendome but that it was famous as Kent and famous as Christendome Secondly Concerning the ancient dignity and considerableness of this County In the time of Iulius Caesar about 1700. years since it was in Four petty Kingdomes governed by Four Kings viz. Cingetorix Cavilius Taximagulus and Segonax Afterwards King Vortigern about 1200. years since set over the same a Guorong or Vice-Roy Afterwards this was the first of the Kingdomes of the Heptarchy and no one County of England had a King of it self but this whose Kingdome began about the year 455. and continued about 372. years in the succession of 17. Kings By that learned Antiquary Mr. Camden it is called the key of England and in it is Four of the Cinque portes of this Nation viz. Sandwich Dover New Romney and Hith as also that famous Castle of Dover the confiderableness whereof Phillip King of France well weighing when in the time of King Hen. 3. Lewes his son had took divers townes and fortes in England and hearing that he could not take this Castle the same being valiantly defended by Hubert de Burgh protested that then his son had not one foot of land in England Thirdly The civility of the people still treading in the steps of their Ancestors who in the time of the aforesaid Iulius Caesar were by him accounted and so stiled the most civilized people of all this Nation Fourthly For the ancient valour of the people of this County they claime and are allowed the front in Battailes And they onely of all England obteyned and reteyne the name of VNCONQVERED For as if all the antient English valour were remaining in
Vera Effigies Richardi Kilburne Armigeri Topographiae Cantianae Authoris Aetatis suae 52. 24. Septemb 1657 J. Crose sculp A TOPOGRAPHIE OR SURVEY OF THE COUNTY OF KENT With some Chronological Historicall and other matters touching the same And the several Parishes and Places therein By Richard Kilburne of Hawkherst Esquire Nascimur partim Patriae LONDON Printed by Thomas Mabb for Henry Atkinson and are to be sold at his Shop at Staple-Inn-gate in Holborne 1659. TO THE NOBILITY GENTRY and COMMONALTY OF KENT Right Honourable c. YOu are now presented with my larger Survey of Kent promised in my Epistle to my late brief Survey of the same wherein among severall things I hope conducible to the service of that County you will finde mention of some memorable acts done and offices of eminent trust borne by severall of your Ancestors other remarkeable matters touching them and the Places of Habitation and Interment of many of them For the ready finding whereof I have added an Alphabeticall Table at the end of this Tract My Obligation of Gratitude to that County wherein I have had a comfortable subsistence for above Thirty five years last past and for some of them had the Honour to serve the same pressed me to this Taske which being finished If it in any sort prove serviceable thereunto I have what I aimed at My humble request is That if herein any thing be found either by omission or alteration substantially or otherwise different from my aforesaid former Survey you would be pleased to be informed that the same happened by reason of further or better information tending to more certaine truths than formerly I had Those differencies and the rectifying of the same are contained in a parcell of this Tract towards the end thereof which I now added That thereby Correction may be made of my former Survey which will be more conveniently portable for ordinary use than this What is found defective herein be pleased not to impute to wilfull errour But either to misapprehension or misinformation both which I endeavoured to avoid And as to the distances of Parishes herein specified be pleased to know that I meane the same by a straight line from Church to Church taking the Station for the view at Newenden being the middle of the South-side of the County as they stand in that best Map thereof extant made by Master Phillip Symonson sometime Resident therein which I the rather doubt not to call the best for that by comparing the same with others I finde it so to be and the like Character in effect was long since set upon the same by that Learned Judicious and Laborious Gentleman William Lambard Esquire whose Monument of Piety and Charity in this County Directory to the peaceable Government of the same and painfull and able performance of his Perambulation thereof have rendred and will perpetuate his Memory Famous The last whereof hath left very little matter of addition but much of imitation both for my self and all others that shall succeed him in works of this nature which was the principall cause that I endeavoured brevity herein being unwilling too far to lengthen this Tract with repetition of what hath been better set forth by others though in works of this nature all ingenuous persons know much use must be made of the labours of our Predecessors There being no other way to enable treating of matters long before our being Now that the Errata's of the Presse may first be corrected by what is at the end of this Tract for that purpose prepared before the Tract be read and that in reading the same other smaller errours of the Presse may also be corrected and that the passages herein may be well weighed before censured and the veile of love cast over what is either in truth or in the Readers conceit defective or mistaken is the humble desire of His Countries and your Servant Richard Kilburne The Contents of this Book A Generall description of Kent page 1. A particular description of the severall Parishes therein Alphabetically page 8. A description of Canterbury page 300 The two divisions of Kent and how to divide each of them from the other in any Map of the County page 303. The five Laths and severall divisions of Iustices in the same viz. Sutton at Hone. page 304 Aylesford page 307 Scray page 310 St. Augustine page 313 Shipway page 315 The Bailiwicks and extents of the same Alphabetically page 319 The hundreds and extents of the same Alphabetically page 330 Townes not being hundreds having Constables of themselves and the extents of the same Alphabetically page 348 The Liberties in Kent and extents of the same and directions of writs of Habeas Corpus Sheriffs Warants to the same Alphabetically page 351 The direction of Writs of Habeas Corpus to the City of Canterbury page 357 The Principall Rivers in Kent and the courses of them page 366 The Corporations in Kent page 369 The Market Townes and dayes of the Markets page 370 The Months and dayes of the sameâ— when the Fairs are kept page 371 The Attendants at the Assises page 373 The dayes of the Quarter Sessions and Attendants at the same viz. The West division page 375 The East division page 376 The Diocess of Canterbury and the Deanrie and Parishes in the same Alphabetically page 377 The Diâ—cess of Rochester and the Deaâ—ries and Parishes in the same Alphabetically page 380 The Saints to whom the Churches were dedicated Alphabetically page 382 Parishes ending in one termination Alphabetically page 386 The Sheriffs of Kent in the last five Centuries page 388 The Iudges dayes and places of Assises in the last Century page 398 Directions to amend my former Brief Survey of Kent page 415 A TOPOGRAPHIE OR Survey of the County of KENT THis County of Kent is scituate at the South East part or corner of England and is bounded to the River of Thames towards the North to the German Ocean towards the North and East to the narrow Seas toward the East and South to the County of Sussex towards the South and West and to the County of Surrey towards the West The length thereof in a straight line from the West part of Leusham to the East part of Saint Peters in Thonet is about 52. miles But in the middle length thereof from the West part of Braâ—ed to the East part of Ringwold it is but about 47. miles And through the middle of this County from Newenden-Bridge in the South to the furthest part of the Isle of Gâ—ean in the North the breadth is about 27. miles The circumserence of the County is thus viz. from the West and of Depâ—ford to the East end of the North Foreland in the Isle of Thanet round by the river of Thames and the Sea being the North side of the County is about 61. miles but in a straight line the same is but about 51 miles From thence about to the corner of Dengenesse being the
and Petham and Lath of St. Augustine it is all in the division of the Justices in the Lath of Shipway and was in the Deanry of Bridge and Diocess of Canterbury the Church standeth in the hundred of Felborough and was called St. Maries The liberty of the late Dean of Canâ—erbury claimeth over the Mannour of Chartham which in the year 871. was given to that Church by Duke Elfred and confirmed by King Edward the Confessor in the year 1052. and the same afterwards coming to King Hen. 8. he the 33 â— of of his Raigne gave it again to that Church In this Parish was a Mansion-house of the late Arch-Bishops of Canterbury CHELSFIELD LIeth towards the West-end of the County about two miles towards the South distant from St. Mary Cray in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bromley Hundred of Ruxley Lath of â—utton at Hone West division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath the liberty of the Dutchy of Lancaster claymeth over the Mannours of Chelâ—field and Goddington Wood-lands called Charm-wood and the Rectory of Chelsfield this Parish was all in the Deanry of Dartford and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Maries CHERITON LIeth at the South-east part of the County neer the Sea about one mile and a half towards the North-East distant from Hith in the Bailiwick of Stowting Hundred of Folkstone Lath of Shipway East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath it was in the Deanry of Dovor and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Martin CHESILHERST LIeth towards the West end of the County about three miles towards the East distant from Bromley in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bromley Lath of Sutton at Hone West division of the County and upper division of Justices in that Lath a small part thereof lying towards Foot 's Cray is in the Hundred of Black-heath and the residue is in the Hundred of Ruxley it was all in the Deanry of Dartford and Diocess of Rochester the Church standeth in the Hundred of Ruxley was called St Nicholas and the same was by King Henry the first given to the Church of Rochester and in this Church of Chesilherst is the burial place of the Family of Walsingham CHETHAM CHatham lieth at the North-side of the County by the River Medway at the North-east side and very neer unto the City of Rochester in the Bailiwick of Hoo Hundred of Chetham and Gillingham Lath of Aylesford and West division of the County the liberty of the late Bishop of Rochester claimeth there and the liberty of the City of Rochester claimeth from the high street of that City to the Hospital of St. Bartholomew and from thence cross the high way all along the fields to the Farm called Horsted so much thereof as is in the liberty of the City of Rochester is in the division of the Justices of the Corporation of that City and the residue is in the North division of Justices of that Lath it was all in the Deanry and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Marierâ— A Faire is kept here yearly upon our Lady day called the Nativity of the Virgin Mary being the eighth day of September Richard of Lucy gave Chetham to the Abbey of Feversham and King Hen. 2. confirmed it as also did King Iohn in the sixteenth year of his Raigne An Hospitall called the Hospitall of St. Bartholomew but since decayed was built here â—or relief of Lepers by Gundulphus Bishop of Rochester in the time of the Conquerour and confirmed by King Hen. 3. but the Hospitall builded here by Sir Iohn Hawkins and confirmed by Queen Elizabeth in the 36 year of her Raigne is still in being Chetham is famous for the Royall Navy using to ride be repalred and laid up there But as to the story of our Lady of Chetham and the Clerke of that parish for which this place was once also famous I referre him that desireth to read the same to Mr. Lambards Perambulation in Chetham where he may find the same at large At Horsted in this Parish as is reported was a Monument long since defaced of Horsâ— brother of Heâ—gest the Saxon who in the time of Vortimer King of Britaine was at Aylesford in this County slaine in single combat by Caâ—igern Brother of the said King CHEVENING LIeth towards the West end of the County about three miles towards the North-west distant from Sevenock in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bromley Lath of Sutton at Hone West Division of the County and lower Division of Justices in that Lath part thereof is in the Hundred of Codsheath and the residue in the Hundred of Sommerden The Liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claymeth in this parish as also doth the Liberty of the Dutchy of Lancaster at Morants Court otherwise Madams Court likewise in this Parish it was all in the Deanâ—y of Shorâ—ham a peculiar to the late Arch Bishop of Canterbury but in the Diocess of Rochester the Church standeth in the Hundred of Godsheath and a Faâ—r is kept yearly at Chepsted in this Parish upon Tuesday in Whitsonweek CHIDINGSTONE LIeth towards the South-west part of the County by the River Medway about foure miles towards the South-west distant from Tunbridge in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bromley Lath of Sutton at Hone West Division of the County and lower Division of Justices in that Lath so much thereof as is in the Borough of Linckhill is in the Hundred of Ruxley and the residue is in the Hundred of Summerden the Liberty of the Dutchy of Lancaster claymeth in this Parish it was all in the Deanry of Shoreham a peculiar to the late Archbishop of Canterbury but in the Diocess of Rochester and the Church standeth in the Hundred of Somerden in which Churâ—h about 110. years since was intered Sir Thomas Willoughby one of the Justices of the common Pleas in the time of King Henry 8. and owner of Boreplace in this Parish built by one Alphegh and inlarged by Reade severall of whose Family are there also interred one whereof viz. Sir Robert Reade cheif Justice of the common Pleas in the time of King Henry 7. did in the year 1516. build the North Chappell in this Church and dedicated the same to S t. Katherine CHILHAM IVlham Lieth towards the East part of the County By the River Stoure about three miles towards the North distant from Wye in the Bailiwick and Lath of Scray Hundred of Felborough East Division of the County and Division of Justices in the Lath of Shipway the liberty of Wye claymeth there it was in the Deanry of Bridge and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called S t. Maries In the year 182. where Chilham Castle now stands was the seat of King Lucius and afterwards by the Saxon Kings of Kent but more especially by King Withred above 950. years since made a Fort and the Danes afterwards shaking the same it lay desolate till the time of King
Lath. The Town and all the Parish except St. Leonards Borough hath two Constables of it self and that Borough is in the Hundred of Larkefield The liberty of the late Bishop of Rochester claimeth there It was in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester The Church standeth in the Town and was called St. Maries A Market is here kept upon every Saturday and three Faires yearly viz. one upon Lammas day being the first day of August another upon St. Matthew's day being the one and twentieth day of September and the other upon St. Leonard's day being the sixth day of November King Edmund about 710. years since gave this Malling to the Church of Rochester and afterwards in the time of King William the Conquerour in the year 1078. Gundulphus Bishop there founded here an Abbey for black Nuns of the order of St. Benedict to the honour of the Virgin Mary which was confirmed by the same King and afterwards by King Henry the first And at the suppression was valued at 218 l. 4s 2 d. ob per annum and about 31. Hen. 8. was by that King granted to the Archbishop of Canterbury This Nunnery together with the Town was burnt in the time of King Rich. 1. Francis Tresse of this Town about twenty six years since Willed 40 l. for building a Free-School here which was afterwards built and he also willed 13s 4 d. per annum for ever towards repairing of that School This Parish ought antiently to have contributed towards the repair of the third Arch or Pere of Rochester Bridge MARDEN LIeth towards the South part â—f the County by the river Medway about four miles and a half towards the North distant from Goudherst In the West division of the County and lower division of Justices in the Lath of Scray So much thereof as is holden of the Mannour of Hunton is in the Borough of Hunton Bailiwick and Hundred of Twyford and Lath of Aylesford A small part thereof called Tilden is in the Hundred of Maidstone another small part is in the Hundred of Eyhorne and both these last in the Bailiwick of Eyhorn and said Lath of Aylesford and the residue is in the said Bailiwick of Twyford Hundred of Marden and Lath of Scray The liberties of St. Augustine and late Dean of Canterbury claim there It was in the Deanry of Sutton and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of Marden and was called St. Michael and a Faire is kept here yearly upon Michaelmass day being the nine and twentieth day of September St. MARGARETS neer Dovor ST Margrets at Cliff lyeth at the East side of the County adjoyning to the sea about three miles and a half towards the Northeast distant from Dovor in the Bailiwick of Stowting Hundred of Bewsborough Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there It was in the Deanry of Dovor and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Margaret A Faire is kept here yearly upon the day of Rufine and Iustin being the nineteenth day of July St. MARGARETS neer Rochester LIeth towards the North part of the County adjoyning to the City of Rochester in the Bailiwick of Hoo Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and division of Justices of the Corporation of that City the liberty whereof claimeth here from Horsted Farme crosse the woods to the high way leading from Rochester to Maidstone and from thence crosse the Lands to Wind-mill hill neer Massenden Farme and from thence over the Feilds crosse the way between this Parish and Aylesford down to a farme called Rings and from thence into the River Medway The Liberty of the late Bishop of Rochester claimeth also in this Parish It was all in the Deanry of and Diocess of Rochester And the Church was caled St. Margaret St. MARIES neer New Romney LIeth neer the South-East side of the County about two miles towards the North distant from New Romney in the Bailiwick and Lath of Shipway East division of the County and division of Justices of the corporation of Romney Marsh The liberty whereof claymeth over the same Part thereof is in the Hundred of New-church and the residue in the Hundred of St. Martin It was all in the Deanry of Limpne and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of St Martin and was called St. Maries Saint MARIES neer Rochester LIeth at the North side of the County about five miles towards the North-East distant from Rochester In the Bailiwick and Hundred of Hoo Lath of Aylesford west Division of the County and North Division of Justices in that Lath. The Liberty of the late Bishop of Rochester claimeth there It was in the Deanry aâ—d Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Maries MEOPHAM MEpeham Mepham Meapeham Mepaham lyeth towards the Northside of the County about foure miles towards the South distant from Gravesend in the Bailiwick of Hoo Hundred of Toltingtrow Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and North division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the late Dean of Canterbury claimeth over the Mannour of Meopham which in the year 940. was given by Duke Eadulph to that Church and is likewise said to be given to that Church by Queen Ediva otherwise Edgiva Mother of King Edmund and Daughter and Heir of Earle Sigeline Lord of Meopham in the year 960. It was in the Deanry of Shoreham a peculiar to the late Archbishop of Canterbury but in the Diocesse of Rochester and the Church was called St Iohn Baptist which was built or at least much repaired by Simon Mepham Archbishop of Canterbury about 320. years since And in the year 1385. repaired by William Courtney likewise Archbishop and by him appropriated to Christchurch Canterbury But I elsewhere finde That the same was appropriated to the Almnery of that Church by Richard Archbishop of Canterbury about 480. years since This Parish ought antiently to have contributed towards the repair of the nineth Peere or Arch of Rochester Bridge And a Faire is kept here yearly upon St. Peters day being the 29th day of Iune MEREWORTH LIeth towards the middle of the County by a Rivulet running into the River Medway about one mile and a half towards the South distant from West Malling in the Bailiwick of Twyford Hundred of Littlefield Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and South division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Laurence This Parish ought antiently to have contributed towards the repair of the fifth Arch or Peere of Rochester Bridge and here is a faire Seate of the honourable Family of Fane MERSHAM MErseham lyeth towards the Southeast part of the County by the River Stoure about two miles and a half towards the Southeast distant from Ashford in the East division of the
New Romney in the Bailiwick and Lath of Shipway East division of the County and division of the Justices of the Corporation of Romney Marsh the liberty whereof claimeth over the same Part thereof is in the Hundred of Aloesbridge other part in the Hundred of Newchurch other part in the hundred of St. Martin and the residue in the Hundred of Worth It was aâ—l in the Deanry of Limpne and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of Newchurch and was called St. Peter and Paul NEWENDEN ANdreds Chester Anderida Lyeth at the southside of the County by the river Rother adjoyning to Sussex about foure miles towards the southeast distant from Cranbrock in the Bailiwick of the seven Hundreds Lath of Scray West divisiâ—n of the County and lower division of Justices in that Lath. Part thereof is in the Hundred of Sâ—lbrittenden and the residue is in the Township of Newenden which Township hath an Officer of 〈◊〉 called the Bailiffe Who is in this place as a Constable is in other parts of the County and this Bailiffe hath also under him an Officer called the under Bailiffe who is likewise in this place as a Boâ—sholder is in other parts of tâ—e County The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claymeth over the Mannour of Newenden But I finde not the same in the Nomina Villarum of that liberty and do finde that Thomas Arcbishop of Canterbury 2 o. Marti 31 o. Hen 8. by grant inrolled in the Augmentation Office 32. Henry 8. granted the same to that King It was all in the Deanry of Charing and Diâ—cess of Canterbury The Ch 〈…〉 deth in the Township of Newenden and 〈◊〉 called St. Peter The 〈…〉 house of Friars Carmilities in England was at a place called Lossenham in this Parish where Sir Thomas Allâ—â—er in the year 1241. Founded for them a Priory and dedicated the same to the Virgin Mary In the Parish neer the Priory stood a Castle which 〈…〉 by the Danes in the year â—â—â— Aâ—d not 〈…〉 thereof are extant Onely the memory 〈…〉 is preserved by a place there stâ—ll called Castle Tâ—â—â— This Towne was antienâ—ly a famous City accounted the chief defensible place in all this Southerne part but Aella the first King of the South Saxons about the year 488. beseiged the Britans here after long fieâ—e entring by assault put all to the sword raced the City to the ground and the place continued desolaâ—e till the foundâ—tion of the aforesaid Priory at which time it began a little to revive but at present is and for many years past hath been very meane NEWINGTON neer Hith LIeth at the southeast part of the County about two miles towards the northeast distant from Hith in the Bailiwick of Stowting Hundred of Folkâ—tone Lath of Shipway eaâ—t division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Dovor and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Nicâ—olas NEWINGTON besides Sittingborn NEwenton Lieth towards the North side of the Counâ—y about two miles and a half towards the west distant from Milâ—on in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Miltoâ— Lath of Scray East division of the County and Upper division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of St. Augustine claimeth over the Mannour of Newington It was in the Deanry of Sittingborn and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Maries All the Customes in which Church belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury were by King William the Conquerour in the year 1073. confirmed to Lanâ—ranck then Archbishop NEWNHAM LIeth towards the North part of the County about foure miles and a half towards the southwest distant from Feversham in the Bailiwick and Lath of Scray East division of the County and Upper division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of St. Augustine claimeth over the same for that it is in the Hundred of Feversham which belonged to that Abbey It was in the Deanry of Ospringe and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Peter and Paul St. NICHOLAS LIeth at the Northeast â—ide of the County in the Isle of Thanet about five miles and a half towards the Northwest distant from Sandwich in the Bailiwick of Bridge aâ—d Petham Lath of St. Augustine and East division of the County Sarre was antiently in the decayed Parish of St. Giles but is now reputed to be in this Parish And is a member of the Town and Port of Sandwich within the division of the Justices of that Town and Port and the liberties thereof and of the Cinque Ports claime over the same The residue of this Parish is within the Division of the Justices in the Lath of St. Augustine and the liberty of St. Augustine claimeth over the same for that it is in the Hundred of Ringslow which belonged to that Abbey The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury also claimeth in this Parish It was all in the Deanry of West Beere and Diocess of Canterbury and one St. Nicholas was antiently Owner of the same The Church standeth in the Hundred of Ringslow was called St. Nicholas was antiently a Chappel to Reculver and Robert of Winchelsea Archbishop of Canterbury about 350. years since erected and endowed a perpetuall Vicarage in the same In the time of King Hen. 8. controversie arising touching assessing Sarr aforesaid as lying in the Forraign That King to put an end thereunto by Letters Patents united the same to Sandwich NOCKHOLT LIeth towards the middle of the West part of the County about foure miles and a half towards the Northwest distant from Sevâ—nock in the Baâ—liwick of Sutton Bromley Hundred of Ruxley Lath of Sutton at Hoâ—e West division of the County and Upper division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Shorâ—ham a peculiar to the â—ate Archbishop of Canterbury but in the Diocess of Rochester NONINTON LIeth about the middle of the East part of the County about five miles towards the southwest distant from Sandwich in the Bailiwick of Eastry Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. Part thereof is in the Hundred of Eastry and the resi due in the Hundred of Wingham The liberties of the late Archbishop of Canterbury and St. Augustine claim there and the liberty of the late Dean of Canterbury claimeth over so much thereof as is within the Mannour of Eastry It was all in the Deanry of Bridge and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of Wingham was called St. Maries and was antiently a Chappel to Wingham But in the year 1282. upon dividing of Wingham into foure Parishes this was one of them NORBURN LIeth neer the East end of the County about two miles and a half towards the south distaut from Sandwich in the Bailiwick of Eastry Hundred of Cornilo Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the
residue is in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Stowting and Lath of Shipway The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there It was all in the Deanry of Bridge and Dâ—ocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of Bridge and Petham and was called St. Bartholomew St. Warburgh see Hoo. WARDEN LIeth at the Northside of the County in the Isle of Sheppey adjoyning to the sea about five miles and a hâ—lf towâ—rds the North distant from Feversham in the Bailiwick of Milton Hundred of the Isle of Sheppey Lath of Scray East division of the County and upper Division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Sittingborn and Diocess of Canterbury WAREHORNE VVErehorne lyeth towards the southeast part of the County about five miles and a half towards the south distant from Ashford So much thereof as is in the Boroughs of great Kennarton or old Herlackenden is in the Bailiwick of the seven Hundreds Hundred of Blackborn Lath of Scray and West division of the County And the residue is in the Bailiwick of Shipway Hundred of Ham Lath of Shipway and East division of the County The liberty of Romney Marsh doth claim over part thereof and that part is in the division of the Justices of the Corporation of Romney Marsh. And the residue of this Parish is in the division of the Justices in the Lath of Shipway The liberties of Wye and the late Dean of Canterbury claim in this Parish It was all in the Deanry of Limpne and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of Ham and was called St. Matthew In the year 1010. Aelphege Archbishop of Canterbury adjoyned Warehorne to his Church Two Faires are kept here yearly one at Ham upon the day of finding of the Holy Cross being the thrid day of May and the other neer the Church upon St. Mathews day being the one and twentieth day of September WATRINGBVRY WOtringbery Wateringbyrie Oteringaberig Lyeth towards the middle of the County about two miles towards the south distant from West Malling in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Twyford Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and south division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester and the Church was called St. Iohn Baptist. This Parish ought antiently to have contributed towards the repair of the fifth Arch or Peer of Rochester Bridge WEST BEERE LIeth towards the Northeast side of the County by the river Stoure about three miles towards the Northeast distant from Canterbury in the Bailiwick of Bridge and Petham Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth there but the liberty of St. Augustine claimeth over the same For that it is in the Hundred of Blengatâ— which belonged to that Abbey It was in the Deanry of West Beer and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called All-saints WESTGATE IS part â—n the County of the City of Canterbury and the residue in the County of Kent adjoyning to the said City in the Bailiwick of Bridge and Petham Hundred of Westgate Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Laâ—h The liberty of the laâ—e Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth over the Mannour of Westgate The whole Parish was in the Deanry and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in that City and was called Holy Cross. WESTRAM WEsterham lieth at the West side of the County adjoyning to Surrey about five miles towards the West distant from Sevenoke in the Bailiwick of Sutton Bâ—omlâ—y Hundred of Westram and Eaâ—onbridge Lath of Sutton at â—one West division of the County and lower division of Justices in that Lath. It was iâ— the Deanry of Malling and Diocess of Rochester and â—he Church was called St. Maries the Advowson whereof was by Elianor wife of King Edward the first gâ—veâ— to Christchurch Canterbury and that King confirmed the â—â—me A Maâ—ket is kepâ— here upon every Wednesday And a Faâ—re yearly upon our Lady day beiâ—g the eighth day of Sâ—pâ—â—mber This Parish ought antiently tâ— have contâ—ibuted towards the 〈◊〉 of the fifâ—h Arch or Peeâ— of Rochester Bridge At Squirryes in this Parish ariseth the Head of the river Darent About a mile and a half from this Town towards the south not far from the side of the High-way called Oakeham Two Closes lying together separated with a hedge of Hollow Ashes 18. Decemb 1596. Part thereof 12. rods long sunk six foot and a half deep the next morning 15. foot more and the third morning 80. foot more and so from day to day for eleven days that great Trench of ground in length about 80. rods and in breadth 28. rods moved slid and shot southwards And the whole measure of the breaking ground was at least nine acres WESTWELL LIeth about the middle of the County towards the southeast part thereof about three miles towards the Norâ—h distant from Ashford in the Bailiwick of Chart and Longbridge Lath of Scray East division of the County aâ—â— division of Justices in the Lath of Shipway The 〈◊〉 of the late Dean of Canterbury claimeth over â—he Mannour of Westwell The 〈◊〉 of the lâ—te Archbishop of Canterbury also claimeth 〈…〉 Perish The 〈…〉 and Dean are in the Hundred of Wye and the 〈◊〉 of Wye claimeth over the same And the 〈…〉 Pâ—rish is in the Hundred of Cul-â—ill It was all in the Deanry of Charing and Diocess of Canterbury The Church standeth in the Hundred of Calehill and was called St. Maries which Church was in the year 1397. by license of the then King and Pope appropriated to Christchurch Canterbury by Thomas Arundell Archbishop of that Sea But I finde elswhere that the same was so appropriated in the year 1400. Whitfeild see Bewfeild WHITSTAPLE LIeth at the Northside of the County adjoyning to the Sea about five miles towards the North distant from Canteâ—bury in the Bailiwick of Bridge and Petham Hundred of Whitstaple Lath of St. Augustine East division of the County and division of Justices in that Lath. The liberty of the late Archbishop of Canterbury claimeth over the Borough of Tankerton in this Parish and the liberty of St Augustine claimeth over the residue of the same It was all in the Deanry of West Beer and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called All-saints A Faire â—s kept here yearly upon Goodfriday being the Friday before Easter WICHLING LIeth about the middle of the County about two miles towards the North distant from Leneham in the Bailiwick and Hundred of Eyhorn Lath of Aylesford West division of the County and East division of Justices in that Lath. It was in the Deanry of Sittingborn and Diocess of Canterbury and the Church was called St. Margaret WICKHAM neere Fordwich WIckham Breaux lieth towards the Northeast part of the County by the River Stoure about one mile towards the
Canterbury claimeth iâ— the said Parish of St. Martin This City hath had several disasterâ— viz. by Fire above 900. years since the like about 740. years since By Burnings by the Danes above 640. years since by burning again about 150. years afterwards But that which is conceived to have added to the decay thereof of latter times was the suppression of the famous Monastrie of Christ-church and St. Augustiâ—e and the other religious houses there which occasioned much frequenting of the same To which also may be added the late ruine of the Cathedral and other appâ—â—tenances thereof which as is to be feared will more eclipse the glory and wellfare of the same And touching the Castle here which is and alwayes hath been without scruple in the County of Kent many questions have been made touching the foundation thereof but I shall onely briefly touch thereupon I find it was by the command of Iulius Caesar the Romane Emperour at his coming into this Nation about 1700 years since built according to the Romane order and Hengist King of Kent about 200. years since committed the Goverment thereof to one Lâ—dias a Saxon who governing the same many years it gained the name of Lodias Castle which name it retained untill and in the time of King Ethelbert who about 150. years afterwards upon his conversion to the Christian faith giving to Augustine the Monk his cheif seate at Canterbury reserved by name Lodias Castle Afterwards the Danes as aforesaid burning this City also raced this Castle which continued ruined till the coâ—ing of King William the Conqueror who built and fortified a Castle upon the old foundation called the same the New Castle and garâ—isoned therein 700. men Afterwards King Stephen committed the custody thereof to William of Ipre Earle of Kent and since by length and changes of times and by tempests the same is become much ruined yet the generall Sessions of the peace for the County is here usually holden twice in the year viz in Iuly and Ianuary The place is reported to be in the aforesaid Parish of St Mildred but in no hundred and now for the reasons aforesaid I forbear further inlargement either touching this City or Castle By what is before written it appeareth that this County of Kent is divided into two divisions viz. West and East Which West division abutteth to the river of Thames towards the North to the County of Surrey towards the West to the County of Sussex towards the West and South and to the East division towards the East It containeth both the Laths of Sutton at Hone and Aylesford and the lower division of the Lath of Scray The East division doth abut to the German Ocean towards the North and East to the narrow Seas towards the East and South to the County of Sussex towards the South and to the West division towards the West And conteineth the upper division of the Lath of Scray and both the Laths of St. Augustine and Shipway These two Divisions may in any Map of the County be divided each from other by pricking a line from the Top of the East side of the Isle of Greane down to the Channell and excâ—uâ—e from the West division the Churches of Queenborough Iwade Halstoe Vpchurch Rainham and 〈◊〉 Then prick the line down the East heads of the Churâ—hes of Stockbury and Bicknor Then prick the line from the bottom of Bicknor Church Eastward over the Churches of Wâ—â—msell and Frindsted and under the Churches of Milsted Kingsdown Dodington and Newynham Then between the Churches of Easeling and Oâ—â—rynden and at the East side of the Church of Otâ—rynden and under that Church Westward to the top of the East head of the Church of Leneham and down the East head of that Church by the East side of the Church of Boâ—ghton Malherbe To the East head of the Church of Hedcorne and down that East head and Eastward to the West head of the Church of Smarden and down that West head and Eastward to the West head of the Church of Betherisden and down that West head and Eastward to the top of the East head of the Church of Shadoxherst and down that East head to the West head of the Câ—urch of Warehorne and down that West head to the Westside of the Church of Snargate and then Westward under the Church of Apledore and from thence along the Channel over the Church of Ebeney and down as the river goeth to the East side of the Church of Newenden and so into the Channel Note That in all places where the line to part the Divisions or Laths iâ— by this Book directed to be drawn down the head of any Church either East or West that there that Parish is in bâ—th the Divisions or Laths but the Church is in that Division or Lath where the body of the same is This County hath in it five Laths viz Sutton at Hone Aylesford Scray St. Augustine and Shipway which do severally contain and may be divided each from other as followeth The Lath of Sutton at Hone. LIeth at the West side of the County and abutteth to the River of Thames towards the North To the County of Surrey towards the West to the County of Sussex towards the South and to the Lath of Aylesford towards the East From which Lath of Aylesford it may be divided in any Map of the County by drawing a line from the river of Thames between the Châ—rches of Swanscombe and Northfleet and between the Churches of Southfleet and Ifeild and down between the Churches of Fawkham and 〈◊〉 and between the Churches of Hartley and Mepâ—â—â— from thence down the Eastsides of the Churches of 〈◊〉 anâ— Ash then between the Churches of Kings-â—â—â—â— aâ—d 〈◊〉 then dowâ— by the East-side of the Câ—urch of 〈◊〉 from thence down between the â—hurches 〈◊〉 and Ightham and between the Churches 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 from thence down to the top of 〈◊〉 East head of the Church of Lyghe from thence to the 〈…〉 the Church of Pensherst and down that Eaâ—â— head to the top of the East head of the Church 〈…〉 and down that East-head and under that Church 〈◊〉 over the Church of Asherst to the point a littâ—e above the â—â—eeple of the â—ame Church This Lath hath in it two divisions of Iustices of the Peace of the County of Kent I. The Upper Division having in it these Parishes viz. Charleton neer Greenwich Deptford Eltham East Greenâ—ich Lee Leusham and Woolwich To summon which they command the Constables of the Hundred of Bâ—ackheath Craford Earith Plumsted anâ— East Wickham To summon which they command the Constable of the Hundred of Little and Leâ—nes Dartford and Wilmington To summon which they command the Constables of the Hundred of Dartford and Wilmington Bromley and Beckenham To summon which they command the Constable of the Hundred of Bromley and Beckenham Bexley Chesilherst Chelsfeild Foot 's Cray St. Mary Cray North Cray Pauls Cray Cudham Down Farnborough Hayes â—eston
Horsted in Chetham from Horsted Farm cross the Woods to the high-way leading from Rochester to Maidstone and from thence cross the lands to Windmill hill neer Nassenden Farm and from thence over the fields cross the way between St. Margarets and Aylesford down to a Farm called Rings and from thence into the River of Medway in St. Margarets neer Rochester From the high-street of Rochester over the Bridge to the Mill called Stroud Mill including the Mill and from thence all along the High-street at the right hand side thereof to the signe of the Angell and all Littleborough and so beyond the Church to the way between Frindsbury and Cookstone and up the way leading to Frindsbury to the house called the Ship including the Church in Stroud The direction of a Habeas Corpus to remove a cause out of this liberty whether the Defendant be in custody or not iâ— thus To the Mayor Aldermen and Citizens of the City of Rochester The Sheriffe directs his Warrants upon process to this liberty thus viz. To the Mayor Aldermen and Citizens of the City of Rochester and their Miniâ—sters 14. The Liberty of Romney-Marsh THis liberty hath in it a Corporation and Court of Record for pleas in all actions reall personall and mixt and claimeth Part of Apledore part of Bilsington all 〈◊〉 part of Bonnington part of Brenzâ—t aâ—l 〈◊〉 Dim-Church all Eastbridge all Heâ—st all Hope pâ—â—t of Ivechurch part of Kenarâ—on part of Limpne all St. Maries all Neâ—church all Orgarswick part of Orl stone part of New Romney part of Old Romney part of Râ—cking part of Snargate all Snave part of Wareborne The direction of a Habeas Corpus to remove a cause out of this liberty whether the Defendant be in custody or not is To the Bailiffe and Iurats of Romney Marsh. The Sheriffe directs Warrants upon process to this liberty thus viz. To the Bailiffe and Iurats of Romney Marsh and to their Officer 15. The Liberty of Sevenoke THis liberty hath no Court of Record for pleas But claimeth part of Kemsing part of Lighe next Tunbridge part of Seale all Sevenoke and part of Speldherst The Sheriffe directs Warrants upon process to this liberty thus viz. To the Bailiffe of the liberty of Sevenoke 16. The Liberty of Wrotham THis Liberty hath no Court of Record but claimeth All Igâ—tham all Plaxtoole all Shipborne all Stansted all Wrotham The Sheriffe directs Warrants upon process to this liberty thus viz. To the Bailiffe of the liberty of Wrotham 17. The Liberty of Wye THis liberty hath a Court of Record for pleas in all actions reall personall and mixt and claimeth The Borough of Henwood otherwise Hewit in Ashford the Borough of Snodeâ—ill in Betherisden the Borough of Wachinden in Biddenden all Boughton Aluph the Borough of Cocklescombe in Braborne all Bâ—ooke part of the Church-yard the Faire place and what else is not in the liberty of the late Deane of Canterbury in Challock part of Chilham the Borough of Frechisley otherwise Abbots Franchise in Cranbrooke all Crâ—â—dall all Eastwell part of Godmersham the Denn of Romden in Halden the Borough of Town in Hastingligh the Borough of Houkeherst otherwise Southborough in Houkeherst part of West Hith all Kingsnoth the Borough of Dengemarsh in Lid part of Mersham part of Molash the Borough of West Kingsnoth in Pluckles part of Râ—cking the yoke of Develand being all Sâ—vington the Denn of Chepredge in Tenterden the Borough of Town in Walâ—ham part of Warehorne the Boroughs of Shottenden and Deane in Westwell the Borough of Henwood in Willesborough the Denn of Plurenden in Woodchurch all Wâ—â— The direction of a Habeas Corpus to remove a Cause out of this liberty if the Defendant be out of custoâ—y is thus To the Steward of the Court of the Royall Mannour of Wye in the County of Kent But if the Defendant be in custody then thus To the Steward and Bailiffe of the Court of the Royall Mannour of Wye in the County of Kent and to either of them The Sheriffe drects Warrants upon process to this liberty thus viz. To the Bailiffe of the liberty of Wye There are seven principall Rivers in this County 1. Thames RUnneth about thirty miles in length at the Northside of the County between the same and Essex 2. Ravensborne ARiseth at Holliwoods hill in Keston and runneth from thence by Hayes and from thence by Brâ—â—ley Leuâ—â—am and Debtford into the River of Thames and with it into the Sea 3. Cray ARiseth at Newell in Orpington and from thence runneth by St. Mary Cray and Paul's Cray and from thence between Foot 's Cray and North Cray and by Bexley to Crayford and from thence into the River Darent and with it into the River of Thames and with that into the Sea 4. Darent ARiseth at Squiâ—reyes in Westram and from thence runâ—eth â—o Brasted â—undrish Otford Shoram Lullingstone Aynsford â—aâ—ningham Horton Kirby Sutton at Hone and Darent from thence to Dartford and beyond that meeteth the River Cray and with that runneth into the River of Thames and with it into the Sea 5. Medway HAth four heads I. About Croberst in Surrey and runneth from thence to Eatonbridge Hever Chidingstone Pensherst Lighe Tunbridge Hadlow and Yalding and from thence to Nettlested Teston and West Farley and from thence between East Barming and East Farley to Maidstone and from thence to Alâ—ington and Westward to Aylesford and from thence Northward between Boreham and Snodland and Woldham and Halling to Cookstone and from thence to Rochester and from thence between Frindsbury and Chetham it runneth Northward about a mile and a half and from thence Eastward as much from thence Southward to Gillingham then about two miles and a half Eastward then as much Northward then Eastward about one mile a half then Southward about a mile then Northward about 2. miles then Eastward about three miles and so Northward into the Sea between the Isles of Greane and Sheppey 2. Neer Fant in Sussex and runneth from thence to Lamberherst and Horsmanden and from thence to a place called the Twist where it spreads it self into two parts one part whereof runn that â—he Westside of Marden and from thence to a place called Hunton Ford and from thence Westward to Yalding aforesâ—id and the other part also runneth at the Westside of the Twist to Yalding aforesaid and they both there meeting run as before to Nettlested Teston c. as before 3. About Goldwell in great Chart and from thence runneth to a place called Romden from thence to Sâ—arden and Hedcorne and from thence to a place called Stilebridge and from thence to Hunton Ford and Yalding aofresaid and from thence to Nettlested Teston c. as before 4. At Bigginâ—oth in Leneham and runneth from thence to Leeds and from thence between Bersted and Othaâ— to Maidstone Allington c. as before 6. Stoure THis also hath four heads 1 At Streatwell in Leneham and runneth from thence to
little Chart and Hothfield and from thence between Ashford and Willesborough and from thence Northward to Wye Godmersham Chartham Milton Thâ—nington and Canterbury and from thence to Sâ—urrey from thence between Fordwich and West Beer to 〈◊〉 and from thence to Sarâ— and so at the Westside of the Isle of Thanet into the Sea 2. At Postling Church and runneth from thence to Stanford from thence Westward to Sellindge Mersham and Sevington and from thence between Willesborough and Ashford meeting with the former stream runneth with iâ— to Wye Godmersham c. as before 3. At Liminge and runneth from thence to Eleham from thence between Berham and Kingstone to Bishopâ—borne and Bridge from thence to Patricksâ—orne and Beakesborne from thence between Littleborne and Ickham to Wickham Breaux Preston and Sturmâ—uth and from thence in at the Southwest side of the Isle of Thanet and bâ— that Northward â—â—to the Sea 4. Neer great Mingeham and from thence runneth to Norburne Ham Worth and Sandwich and from thence to Richâ—orough Eâ—sfleet and nether Court and so meeting with the last stream runneth to Sarr and from thence as before into the Sea 7. Rother ARiseth aâ—o it Argo's hill in or neer Rotherfield in Sussex and runnâ—ng by Mayfield Eâ—chingham Saleherst and Bodehâ—m in Sussex cometâ— into Keâ—â— in the Parish of Sandherst and from thence runneth Eastward to Neweâ—den Wâ—ttershâ—m Eâ—eney Stone and Apledore and 〈◊〉 thence turning Southward by the East end of the Isle of Oxney runneth by Iden and Playden in Sussex and between that and East Guldeford also in Sussex into the Sea at Rye This County hath in it 14. Corporations viz. In the Forraigne 1. GRavesend and Milton 2. Maidstone 3. Queenborough 4. Rochester 5. Romney Marsh In the Cinque Ports 6. Dovor 7. Feversham 8. Folkstone 9. Fordwich 10. Hith 11. Lid. 12. New Romney 13. Sandwich 14. Tenterden And one City viz. Rochester the City of Canterbury being a County of it self There are in this County 28. Market Townes viz. In the Forraigne 1. AShford 2. Bromley 3. Cranbrook 4. St. Mary Cray 5. Dartford 6. Eleham 7. Goudherst 8. Gravesend 9. Leneham 10 Maidstone 11. West Malling 12. Milton neer Sittingborne 13. Rochester 14. Sevenoke 15. Smarden 16. Tunbridge 17. Westram 18. Woolwich 19. Wrotham and 20. Wye In the Cinque Ports 21. Dovor 22. Feversham 23 Folkstone 24. Hith 25. Lid 26. New Romney 27. Sandwich 28. Tenterden And the Markets are held in these Townes as followeth viz. Monday at Eleham Tuesday at Leâ—eham and Wrotham Wednesday at St. Mary Cray Feversham Goudherst Gravesend Dovor Sandwich and Westram Thursday at Bromley Folkstone Lid Maidstone Wyeâ— Friday at Rochester Smarden Tenterden Tunbridge Woolwich Saturday at Ashford Cranbrook Dartford Dovor Feversham Gravesend Hith West Malling Milton neer Sittingâ—orne New Romney Sandwich Sevenoke Likewise at Sandway in Leneham there is a Market for Bullocks upon every Tuesday after Alâ—olloâ—â— day till Christmaâ— And a Market at Northfleet upon every Tuesday after â—aster-Tuesday till Whitson-Tuesday I have omitted Canterbury out of the names of these Market-Townes for that it is a County of it self but there is a Market in the same upon every Wednesday and Saturday There are in this County yearly 124. Faires most of which aâ—â— kept in the severall Monthes of the year as followeth IAnuary 25. Paul's Conversion at Milton neer Gravesend February 2. Candlemas day at St. Mary Cray Maidstone 3. St. Blase at Bromley 14. St. Valentine at Feversham It holdeth ten days March 12. St Gregory at Wye 24. St. Buttolph at Northfleet 25. Our Lady day at great Chart Lamberherst St. Peters Seaâ—aâ—er Stoke Aprill 23. St. George at Charing Wrotham 25. St. Mark at Eatonbridge Tenterden May 1. Phillip and Iacob at Maidstone Wingham Wittersham 3. Finding of the holy Cross at Wareâ—orne called Ham Faire 6. Iohn Port Latin at Ashford Speldherst called Groombridge Faire 19. St. Dunstan at Cranbrooke Rochester 26. Translation of St. Augustine at Leneham Iune 9. St. Edmund the King at Maidstone called Garlick Faire 11. St. Barnaby at Apledore 24. Midsummer-day at Bilsington called Woodcock Faire Harietsham St. Iohns in Thanet Seasalter Tunbridge 29. St. Peter at Aylesford Hedcorne Hith Meâ—pham St. Peters in Thanet Sevenoke Iuly 7. Translation of Becket at Christchurch Canterbury called Becket Faire it holdeth nine dayes 13. Anacletus at Lid. 15. St. Switâ—in at Horsmanden 19. St. Rusin at St. Margarets neer Dovor 20. St. Margarets at Betherisden 22. St. Mary Magdalen at Cowden Dartford Goudherst called Combwell Faire Stockbury 23. Apolinaris at Monkâ—on 25. St. Iames at Bromley Elmsted East Malling called Larkefield Faire Staple August 1. Lammas day at Bruckland Feversham it holdeth ten dayes West Malling 10. St. Laurence at Hawkeherst New Romney 15. Assumption of our Lady at Goudherst Stroâ—d 24. St. Bartholomew at Bobbing Buckland neer Doâ—or St. Iohns in Thanet Otford 29. Decollation of St. Iohn Baptist at Ashford September 1. Giles Abbot at Cranbrooke Farnborough Reâ—ulâ—er Sâ—ipâ—orne 8. Nativity of our Lady at Chetham Westram 14. Holy Rood at Bersted Goodneston neer Sandwich 21. St. Matthew at Eastry West Malling Wareâ—orne 27. Cosmus and Dimianus at Chaliock 29. Michaelmas day at Christchurch Cà nterbury it holds nine dayes Earith Higham Marden Seasalter Sittingborne it holds five dayes Smarden October 6. St. Faith at Maidstone 8. Pelagiâ—s at Cliffe neer Gravesend 9. St. Dennis at Eleham 13. Translation of St. Edward at Gravesend it holds a week 18. St. Luke at Charing Charlton neer Greenwich called Horne Faire great Mongeham Tunbridge 28. Simon and Iude at Biddenden Chilham November 1. All Saints at Stelling 6. St. Leonard at Badlesmer West Malling 11. St. Martin at Dovor it holds nine dayes 20. St. Edward the King at Hith Sutton Vallance 23. St. Clement at Sandwich hold three dayes 30. St. Andrew at Rochester December 6. St. Nicholas at Pluckley Sandherst Sevenoke 25. Christmas day at Seasalter 29. Thomas Becket at Christchurch Canterbury it holdeth nine dayes And the residue of the said 124. Fairs are kept on no certain day of the Month but on the dayes following viz. Ashwednesday being the Wednesday after Shrove sunday at Tunbridge Palme monday bing the Monday before Easter at Eleham 〈◊〉 in Sheppey Good Friday being the Friday before Easter day at Whitstaple Easter Monday at Eleham Kemsing Easter Tuesday at Northfleet Yalding Ascention day being the Thursday sevennight before Whitsunday at Brasted Earith Stelling Stone in Oxney Whitson Munday at Eleham Hadlow Sittingborne it holdeth three dayes Whitson Tuesday at Chevening called Chepsted Faire Northfleet Wednesday in Whitson week at Ightham called Coxcomb Faire THe severall Officers following are by the Sheriffe of this County returned to attend at the Assises holden for the same viz. All the Justices of the Peace of the County Mayors Of the City of Rochester of the Town of Maidstone of the Townes of Gravesend and Milton All the Coronors of the County Stewards of Liberties Of the late