Dartford Rural District facts for kids

The Dartford Rural District was a special area in Kent, England, that had its own local government. It was like a big neighborhood or group of villages that worked together to manage things for the people living there. This district existed for many years, helping to look after local services before new changes were made to how areas are governed in England.

What Was the Dartford Rural District?

The Dartford Rural District was a local government area in Kent, England. It covered about 34,037 acres (138 km²) of land. In 1971, about 64,561 people lived there. It was the largest rural district in Kent by population at that time.

The district wasn't always the same size. It became smaller over the years. For example, some parts of it became new areas called Crayford Urban District in 1920 and Swanscombe Urban District in 1926. This meant those areas then managed their own local services.

When Did the District Change?

The Dartford Rural District stopped existing on April 1, 1974. This happened because of a big change in how local government was organized across England. This change was part of the Local Government Act 1972.

When the district was dissolved, its land was split up. Some parts became part of the new Dartford Borough. Other parts joined the new district of Sevenoaks.

The Northern Parishes

Several villages that used to be in the Dartford Rural District became part of the Sevenoaks District. These villages are sometimes called the 'Northern Parishes'. They include:

• Ash-cum-Ridley
• Eynsford
• Eynsford-Crockenhill
• Farningham
• Fawkham
• Hartley
• Horton Kirby
• Swanley
• West Kingsdown

One village, Longfield, first went to Sevenoaks. But later, in 1987, it was moved to the Dartford Borough.

How Was It Organized?

At the time it closed, the Dartford Rural District was made up of 15 smaller areas called civil parishes. These parishes are like small communities or villages that have their own local councils.

The district council had 27 councillors in 1971. These councillors were elected by the people living in the district. They served for three years. Elections were held every year for about one-third of the council seats. This meant new councillors were regularly elected, and the council always had experienced members.

Here are the 15 civil parishes that made up the Dartford Rural District:

• Ash-cum-Ridley (1 councillor)
• Darenth (2 councillors)
• Eynsford (1 councillor)
• Eynsford-Crockenhill (1 councillor)
• Farningham (1 councillor)
• Fawkham (1 councillor)
• Hartley (1 councillor)
• Horton Kirby (1 councillor)
• Longfield (1 councillor)
• Southfleet (1 councillor)
• Stone (4 councillors)
• Sutton-at-Hone (2 councillors)
• Swanley (6 councillors)
• West Kingsdown (1 councillor)
• Wilmington (3 councillors)