Tenterden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tenterden
St Mildred's Church
Tenterden
Area	36.19 km2 (13.97 sq mi)
Population	8,186 (2021 Census)
• Density	226/km2 (590/sq mi)
OS grid reference	TQ885334
Civil parish	Tenterden
District	Ashford
Shire county	Kent
Region	South East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	TENTERDEN
Postcode district	TN30
Dialling code	01580
Police	Kent
Fire	Kent
Ambulance	South East Coast
EU Parliament	South East England
UK Parliament	Weald of Kent
Website	www.tenterdentowncouncil.gov.uk
List of places UK England Kent 51°04′11″N 0°41′23″E / 51.069620°N 0.689800°E / 51.069620; 0.689800

A beautiful window in St Mildred's Church

Tenterden is a lovely town and civil parish located in the Borough of Ashford in Kent, England. In 2021, about 8,186 people lived in the parish.

Discover Tenterden's Location

Tenterden is connected to Maidstone, Kent's main town, by the A262 road and the A274 road. It's also linked to Ashford, Rolvenden, and Hastings by the A28 road.

The town sits on the edge of the Weald, looking over the River Rother valley. Tenterden is part of the Cinque Ports Confederation. However, because the coast has changed a lot over hundreds of years, Tenterden is no longer right by the sea.

Tenterden's Journey Through Time

How Tenterden Got Its Name

Kent was one of the first kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon England to become Christian. People from the north used to bring their pigs to graze in the forests of the south, known as The Weald.

The name Tenterden comes from two Old English words: Tenetwara, meaning "the Men of Thanet," and den, meaning "a clearing in a forest." So, it means "a clearing for the people of Thanet." The first time Tenterden was mentioned was in a document from 968 AD.

Early Days and St. Mildred's Church

In the 7th century, a kind abbess named Mildred was very popular in Kent. Tenterden's main church, St. Mildred's, is named after her and stands proudly on high ground. It's thought that an early wooden church was built on this same spot.

The town's name, "Tentwardene," first appeared in official records in 1178/9. This is also when a church in Tenterden was first mentioned.

From Farming to Wool Trade

After 1027, the lands of Thanet Minster, including Tenterden, became part of St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury. Tenterden wasn't listed in the Domesday Book because it was considered a "den" (clearing) belonging to the Abbey's main lands.

In the 12th century, the low-lying land south of Tenterden was used for farming. But after the Black Death, many people died, and farming became harder. So, people started raising more sheep on the rich marshy fields. This led to a boom in wool production, making Tenterden a wealthy town.

Medieval Life in Tenterden

In 1279, some butchers set up shops too close to the church. They were allowed to stay if they paid a small yearly fee. Today, shops on High Street stand where these old butcher stalls once were. The Pittlesden family, who lived in a manor house here in 1275, were very important to Tenterden's growth. Their family crest is still on the town's Coat of Arms.

In the 14th century, King Edward III wanted to stop smuggling. He banned the export of raw wool and the import of finished cloth. This led Flemish weavers to settle in the Weald. Tenterden became a major center for making broadcloth, producing much more cloth than before.

A Golden Age and New Beginnings

The 15th century was a great time for Tenterden. It was rich, successful, and important.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, many people in Tenterden had different religious beliefs. Some families even sailed to New England in America in the 1600s to find more freedom to worship. For example, Nathaniel Tilden, a former Mayor of Tenterden, moved to Massachusetts in 1634.

By the 16th century, the sea near Smallhythe, a part of Tenterden, started to recede, and the port became less busy. In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I gave Tenterden a new Charter, creating the role of mayor. Sadly, a fire in 1661 destroyed many old town documents, including the original Cinque Ports Charter.

Tenterden in the 18th and 19th Centuries

In the 18th century, wealthy landowners built large houses in and around Tenterden, like Kench Hill. The town became more well-known. In 1790, a new Town Hall was built, replacing the old one that had burned down.

The 19th century brought improvements like gas street lighting in 1840 and clean piped water later on. However, not everyone shared in this prosperity. After the Napoleonic Wars, cheap wheat imports made life hard for farmers in Tenterden. Many families moved to the USA and Australia in the 1840s. A "Soup Kitchen" was even set up in 1875 to help poor families.

Tenterden in the 20th Century

In 1903, the Tenterden Town railway station opened. It closed in 1954, but part of it reopened in 1974 as the Kent and East Sussex Railway. This historic railway runs from Tenterden Town Station to Bodiam station, near Bodiam Castle.

During the Battle of Britain in 1940, German planes dropped bombs over Tenterden, causing damage. By 1944, before the invasion of France, soldiers from Canada, the US, Australia, and the Welsh Fusiliers were stationed in Tenterden. After D-Day, the town was hit by V1 rockets, also known as Doodlebugs, which caused a lot of damage.

In 1974, Tenterden's local government changed, and a new Town Council was formed under the Ashford Borough Council. The town grew a lot in the late 20th century with many new houses. Today, attractions like the Kent & East Sussex Railway and Chapel Down Vineyard bring many visitors to Tenterden.

Tenterden Today

Tenterden Town Hall, a historic building on the High Street, is currently being renovated. It closed in early 2024, and the work is expected to take about two years.

Tenterden and the Cinque Ports

What are the Cinque Ports?

The Confederation of Cinque Ports has played a big part in England's history. It started in Saxon times when certain fishing ports in the south-east were given special rights. In return, they had to provide ships for the King. The Normans continued this practice with the ports of Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich, plus the towns of Winchelsea and Rye.

In 1041, King Edward the Confessor asked these ports to provide 20 ships with 21 crew members each for 15 days every year. William the Conqueror later called them "Cinque Ports" (meaning "five ports" in old French) and asked for 57 ships for 15 days annually. These ports worked together to provide a fleet for the Crown and protect England's south coast. They also used their ships for trade across the English Channel.

The last time a Cinque Ports fleet went into battle was in 1596, when Spain threatened to invade.

The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports

The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is still known as the "Keeper of the Coast." Famous people who have held this role include William Pitt the Younger, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Lord Warden is chosen by the King or Queen and has also been the Constable of Dover Castle since 1267.

Walmer Castle, built in 1540, became the official home of the Lord Warden in 1728. It was originally one of Henry VIII's forts, built to protect England from French invasion.

Tenterden Joins the Confederation

From 1300 to 1550, Smallhythe, a small area in southern Tenterden, was a busy port. It was a top shipbuilding center in the 15th and 16th centuries, building ships for wars against the French.

By the 14th century, some large ships built in Tenterden were helping Rye, one of the Cinque Ports, fulfill its duties. Rye faced many problems, including the Black Death and French attacks. The River Rother also changed course, making Rye's harbor hard to use. Because of Rye's troubles, Tenterden's wool trade continued to grow.

In 1449, King Henry VI asked Tenterden to join the Confederation as a "limb" of Rye. This gave Rye much-needed money and access to Tenterden's shipbuilding facilities. In return, Tenterden received a Royal Charter, which gave the town self-government. Tenterden's official "Seal" showed a ship with the arms of the Cinque Ports.

Coronation Traditions

For almost a thousand years, Westminster Abbey has been the place where English monarchs are crowned. Since 1189, the Mayors of the Cinque Ports have been invited to coronations as "Barons."

Traditionally, these Barons carried a special canopy over the monarch as they walked to and from the coronation. They also used to sit to the immediate right of the King or Queen at the banquet after the ceremony.

While they no longer carry the canopy, Barons from the Cinque Ports, including Tenterden's Mayor, have been invited to all coronations since 1902. The most recent was for King Charles III on May 6, 2023.

Tenterden's Coronation Barons

In 1902, Tenterden's Mayor was first allowed to attend a Coronation as a Baron. This honor went to Cllr Joseph Robert Dingle for King Edward VII's Coronation. Since then, four other Mayors from Tenterden have been Coronation Barons:

• Coronation Baron Edgar Howard for King George V (1911)
• Coronation Baron Joseph Macrae Dingle for King George VI (1937)
• Coronation Baron Stanley Jesse Day for Queen Elizabeth II (1953)
• Coronation Baron John Seymour Crawford for King Charles III (2023)

Today, the title "Baron of the Cinque Ports" is an honorary title given to people chosen by the town's officials to attend a coronation.

Tenterden's Freemen

Since 1960, the Tenterden Town Council has given the special title of "Freeman" (or "Freewoman") to some citizens. This is a pure honor, recognizing important people or those who have done great things for the community.

Some of the Freemen and Freewomen include:

• 1960 - Adams, E.A. (Mrs)
• 1960 - Chalk, L.
• 1988 - Roberts, H.V.
• 1991 - Cruttenden, R.J.
• 1993 - Goldsmith, N.D. (Mrs)
• 1997 - Champion, R.F.
• 2017 - Crawfurd, Raymond
• 2019 - Edwards, Henry H.O.
• 2021 - Greaves, Debbie (Mrs)
• 2022 - Kinlock, Colin

Fun Things to Do in Tenterden

• Chapel Down Winery
• Colonel Stephens Railway Museum
• Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) Museum
• Smallhythe Place
• Tenterden Family Fun Trail
• Tenterden Museum
• The High Street

Exciting Local Events

Tenterden Christmas Market

The Tenterden Christmas Market is a yearly event, usually held over three days on the last weekend in November. It features beautiful Christmas lights, food, crafts, and entertainment.

In 2013, Tenterden made headlines for putting up its Christmas lights very early! This was to help raise money for new lights after the old ones went missing.

Tenterden Folk Festival

The Tenterden Folk Festival is a four-day event held on the first weekend of October each year. It has been running for 29 years! Many musicians perform in different places around town. There's also a craft market in a big tent.

The Spirit of Tenterden Festival

This three-day festival celebrates music, food, and drink. It's organized by volunteers and takes place on the first weekend of July each year at the Tenterden Recreation Ground.

Tributes in the Park

This is a fun summer event for families, featuring tribute bands and refreshments. It's held at St Michael's recreational ground.

Places for Fun and Relaxation

Kiln Field Reserve and Wildlife

This 4.5-acre nature reserve is a calm place to visit. It has a pond, trees, wild grasses, and flowers. It's a great spot to enjoy nature.

Millennium Garden

This garden is owned and looked after by Tenterden Town Council. You can find the entrance behind the White Stuff shop, through an alleyway.

Cricket Clubs

Tenterden has two cricket clubs: Smallhythe Cricket Club and Tenterden Cricket Club, both located on Smallhythe Road. They have teams for all ages and are very active during the cricket season.

St Michael's Recreation Ground

This public space has an open area for recreation, a children's playground, and a skate ramp. It's maintained by Tenterden Town Council.

Tenterden Leisure Centre

Opened in 1990 by Diana, Princess of Wales, this center offers many activities for families. It has a swimming pool with slides and a wave machine, a gym, and a sports hall with classes.

Tenterden Recreation Ground

This public space has a full-sized football pitch, two tennis courts, and a children's playground. The Tenterden Bowls Club, which is private, also has a green here.

Learning in Tenterden

Homewood School Tenterden

Homewood School started in a Mansion House built in 1766. After being a military base in World War II, it opened as a secondary school.

The school's original hall is now The Sinden Theatre, a resource for the whole community. Homewood is a large school for students aged 11-18, with about 2000 students, including 350 in the Sixth Form.

Churches and Chapels

Tenterden has two main parish churches and several other religious places:

• St Mildred's (Anglican) is in the main part of town. The church dates back to the 12th century and its famous tower was built in 1461.
• St Michael and All Angels (Anglican). This church was built in 1863 to serve the area now called St Michael's.

Other churches and chapels include:

• St. John the Baptist (Anglican)
• St. Andrew's Catholic Church
• Trinity Baptist Church
• Zion Baptist Church
• Jireh Chapel: Strict Baptist church
• The Methodist Church
• The Unitarian Chapel, built around 1695. A plaque notes that Dr Benjamin Franklin visited here in 1783.
• The Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall

Famous Buildings and Pubs

Heronden Hall is a beautiful Gothic-style mansion built in 1846.

Tenterden has several old and large pubs, often owned by local Kentish breweries. Some of these include:

• The Woolpack, next to the Town Hall
• The White Lion, on the High Street
• The Vine, on the High Street
• This Ancient Boro, East Cross
• The Print House, West Cross
• The Crown, Ashford Road in St. Michaels
• The Fat Ox, at the corner of Ashford Road and Ox Lane in St. Michaels

Community Groups in Tenterden

Chamber of Commerce

The Tenterden and District Chamber of Commerce helps and supports businesses in Tenterden. They hold regular meetings and organize events like placing Christmas trees over shop doorways. They also launched the 'I Love Tenterden' card to encourage people to shop locally.

Horticultural Society

This society organizes talks and shows about gardening throughout the year.

Kent Army Cadet Force

The Army Cadet Force in Tenterden trains young people. They provide a Mayor's Cadet to help the Mayor with duties and a Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion.

Lions Club of Tenterden

The Tenterden Lions Club was formed in 1958. Its members help the community by volunteering and raising money for good causes. They plant crocus bulbs in spring and arrange for Father Christmas to visit in December, collecting money for charity.

Rotary Club of Tenterden

The Rotary Club brings together local business people to support various charities. They hold many events throughout the year.

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion in Tenterden does a great job with the annual poppy appeal. They also help organize a moving service at the War Memorial each year on Remembrance Sunday.

Tenterden and District History Society

This society holds monthly talks in winter and outings in summer. Their library is at the Tenterden Museum.

Tenterden Operatic and Dramatic Society (TODS)

TODS is the local amateur dramatic society, founded in 1958. They put on three plays each year and are often recognized for their performances.

Women's Institute

The Women's Institute has two branches in Tenterden: Tenterden Glebe and St. Michaels.

Important Services

Police

Kent Police used to have a station in Tenterden, but now the town's police force is based at Ashford Police Station.

Fire and Rescue

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has an on-call fire engine based in St. Michaels.

Medical Care

West View Integrated Care Centre (known as West View Hospital) provides adult social care and health care. It offers residential care for dementia patients and rehabilitation services. It does not have an Accident & Emergency department; the nearest one is at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Ivy Court Surgery is a busy NHS GP practice that offers many medical services. The building recently reopened after a big renovation, providing a modern healthcare facility for Tenterden.

People from Tenterden

• William Caxton, thought to be the first English printer, may have been born in Tenterden.
• Edith Craig, an actress and theatre director, lived at Smallhythe Place.
• Nicki French, an international singer/songwriter.
• David Frost, a famous media personality, was born in Tenterden.
• Sir Donald Sinden, a well-known actor, lived in the area. The local theatre at Homewood School is named after him.
• Dame Ellen Terry, a famous actress, lived for many years at nearby Smallhythe Place.

Sports in Tenterden

• Tenterden Town Football Club, started in 1889, plays at the Sports Pavilion.
• Tenterden Tigers Junior Football Club, started in 1996.
• Tenterden Cricket Club, located on Smallhythe Road.
• The Tour de France cycling race went through Tenterden in July 2007.
• Homewood Badminton Club plays at the Tenterden Leisure Centre.
• Tenterden Golf Club is on Chalk Hill.
• 1066 Archery Club is just outside Tenterden.
• Tenterden Netball Club has two teams that play in competitive leagues.

Local Media

Tenterden has a local commercial radio station, KMFM Ashford, and a community radio station, Radio Ashford. It is also served by county-wide stations like BBC Radio Kent and Heart Kent.

The local newspaper is the Kentish Express.

Twinning

Tenterden is twinned with:

• Avallon

See also

In Spanish: Tenterden para niños