Lenham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lenham |
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 High Street |
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 Lenham
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| Area | 23.4906 km2 (9.0698 sq mi) |
| Population | 3,370 (2011) |
| • Density | 143/km2 (370/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TQ585395 |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Maidstone |
| Postcode district | ME17 |
| Police | Kent |
| Fire | Kent |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
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Lenham is a lovely market village in Kent, England. It's located on the southern edge of the North Downs, about 9 kilometres (6 miles) east of Maidstone. The village has a beautiful square with places to eat and drink, like pubs and restaurants. In 2011, about 3,370 people lived in Lenham.
You can reach Lenham by train, as Lenham railway station is on the Maidstone East Line. The village is also special because it's where two rivers begin. The Great Stour starts here, and the Stour Valley Walk hiking path follows it all the way to Canterbury and the English Channel. The River Len also begins in Lenham and flows west to join the River Medway in Maidstone.
Contents
Lenham's Long History
Lenham has a very old and interesting history! Back in 850 AD, Æthelwulf, who was the King of Wessex, gave a large area of land in Lenham to Ealhhere, a powerful leader in Kent.
Early Records and Markets
Lenham is even mentioned in the famous Domesday Book from 1086. This book was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. The village's market started in 1088, which made Lenham an important place for trade and travel. For a long time, the land of Lenham belonged to St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury. But when the monasteries were closed down by the King, the land went back to the Crown. Later, Queen Elizabeth I gave it to her main advisor, Lord Burleigh.
Even though having a market usually means a place is a town, the people of Lenham have always wanted it to stay a village. Many of the buildings on the High Street are very old and have special protection because of their history.
Famous People and Landmarks
Mary Honywood, a famous woman, was born in Lenham. When she passed away at 93, she had an amazing 367 living family members!
The Pilgrims' Way and North Downs Way, which are old walking paths, go along the hills just north of Lenham. On one of these hills, there's a huge chalk cross carved into the hillside. It's about 60 metres (200 feet) tall! This Lenham Cross was first made in 1922 to remember those who died in World War I. It was fixed up in 1994 and now honours those lost in both world wars. During World War II, the cross was filled in so that enemy planes (like the Luftwaffe) couldn't use it to find their way. It was uncovered again in May 1945.
Modern Milestones
Lenham also played a part in television history! On August 27, 1950, Lenham was one of the special places that helped relay the first-ever live TV pictures from mainland Europe to London.
More recently, in 2020, a local Co-op staff member named Jo Bate won an award for her excellent service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Village Life and Amenities
Lenham has many useful and interesting places for its residents.
Churches and Schools
The local church, St Mary, was rebuilt in the 14th century after a fire. It's a very old and important building, just like the nearby Tithe Barn. Both are listed buildings, meaning they are protected because of their historical importance.
Lenham has a primary school called Lenham Primary and a secondary school called The Lenham School.
Local Businesses and Groups
A company called GKD Sports Cars, which makes special kit cars, has its workshop in Lenham.
You can also find a pharmacy in Lenham. This pharmacy is famous because a very old Saxon warrior's body and weapons from the sixth century were found there! The village has a website that helps record its history and culture. The Lenham Meadows Trust works to protect the green spaces around the village. There's also a film club for movie lovers.
Lenham is home to HAMS Productions, which is a local drama group. They put on popular yearly pantomimes and have also performed serious plays written by a local author. HAMS Productions started in 2016 and has about a hundred members. They are based at the Lenham Community Centre.
Future Plans for Heathlands
Maidstone Borough Council has plans for a new "garden village" called Heathlands near Lenham. This plan was officially adopted in 2024.
Honours for Lenham
Sometimes, special groups or people are given the "Freedom of the Parish" of Lenham. This is a great honour!
Military Units Honoured
- The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers: This military unit received the Freedom of the Parish on June 23, 2024.
See also
In Spanish: Lenham para niños
