Winter Warmer Walk - Chalk Marshes and the fields of Shorne and Chalk
Dec
31

Winter Warmer Walk - Chalk Marshes and the fields of Shorne and Chalk

Meeting place - corner of Lower Higham Rd/Castle Lane, Chalk DA12 2NR

On: Tuesday 31st December 2024

Meet: 10.30am corner of Lower Higham Road/Castle Lane, Chalk DA12 2NR

Cost: Free-but donations welcomed.

Gravesend Historical Society Footpaths Committee has arranged this walk across marshes and fields, along public footpaths - it is open to everyone and well behaved dogs. The surfaces are uneven, possibly slippery and there are some stiles on route. Sensible footwear is needed-the walk is about 2 hours and about 4 miles. 

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Cold War for Christmas- how Armageddon (End of the World) was going to be planned in Swanscombe & Gravesham (Illustrated talk)
Dec
3

Cold War for Christmas- how Armageddon (End of the World) was going to be planned in Swanscombe & Gravesham (Illustrated talk)

Church Road Hall, Church Road, Swanscombe

Speakers: Christoph Bull (Local Historian) and Victor Smith (Expert on local fortifications, defences and archaeology)

On: Tuesday 3rd December 2024

At: Church Road Hall, Church Road, Swanscombe (a building constructed for Cold War purposes)

Begins: 7.30pm

Cost: Free-but donations welcomed. 

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Charlie Gordon of Gravesend (illustrated talk)
Nov
21

Charlie Gordon of Gravesend (illustrated talk)

Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne

General Gordon is well remembered-but how much do we know about him-and what is his legacy?

Speaker: Christoph Bull (Local Historian)

On: Thursday 21st November 2024 - begins 2pm

At: Shorne Village Hall, The Street, Shorne

Price: Free to members of Shorne Local History Group - visitors £5 payable at the door. No need to book.

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Myths & Legends of Gravesham and Dartford (illustrated talk with lunch)
Nov
18

Myths & Legends of Gravesham and Dartford (illustrated talk with lunch)

Gardeners Arms public house, Forge Lane, Higham

The twilight world of our local history explored-you will be amazed at what Gravesham and Dartford have to offer in folk tales and secrets.

Speaker: Christoph Bull (Local Historian)

On: Monday 18th November 2024

At: Gardeners Arms public house, Forge Lane, Higham - beginning at 11am for the talk, lunch to follow

Price: £18 for both lunch and talk

Booking essential 01474 823337 or sarahluchgardenersarms@gmail.com

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Chalk Parish - the struggle to keep our identity - Chalk's history since 1945
Sept
16

Chalk Parish - the struggle to keep our identity - Chalk's history since 1945

Reliance Restaurant, DA12 2EE

Join local historian for an illustrated talk and fish and chip supper.

Join local historian Christoph Bull for an illustrated talk and fish and chip supper.

This brand new talk explores what has happened to Chalk in our lifetime and how it fights to survive as an independent place.

Booking essential - places limited - Reliance Restaurant 01474 533593 or 07768087036.

Meet at 6pm at Reliance Restaurant, Queen Street, Gravesend. 6pm for supper and talk to follow.

Cost: £22 to include talk and supper.

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Royal Terrace Pier Evening - Vicky, Fritz & The Royal Terrace Pier
Sept
11

Royal Terrace Pier Evening - Vicky, Fritz & The Royal Terrace Pier

Royal Terrace Pier, DA12 2BP

Join local historian for an illustrated talk with light refreshments.

Christoph Bull and the Port of London Authority are bringing you a chance to listen to a brand new talk about Gravesend and Europe in the 1860s - with a chance to visit the Royal Terrace Pier.

Booking essential - places limited - please text your name, contact number and number of people to 07702287147.

Of course you are wondering who Vicky and Fritz are, and the role they played in local and European history. Well come and find out!

Free but donations welcome.

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The Church, the Princess and the Pub
Sept
2

The Church, the Princess and the Pub

Post Office Collection Office, The Grove, Gravesend

Join Christoph Bull for a short guided tour with supper afterwards.

Join local historian Christoph Bull for a short distance guided tour of St George's Church and churchyard and find out many historical facts about Gravesend including Pocahontas, General Gordon, slums and Irish invasion.

Car parking is free after 6pm in Gravesham Borough Council car parks - but not St George's Shopping Centre.

Booking essential - Three Daws Public House - 01474 566869

Cost £28 inclusive of guided tour, church donation and supper at the Three Daws.

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Vine & Meadow walk
Sept
1

Vine & Meadow walk

Luddesdown Vineyards, Silverhand Estates, DA13 0XE

We are delighted to welcome you on a guided walk around the vineyards of Luddesdown, finishing off with a glass of English bubbles.

Get to know the picturesque location of Luddesdown and its meadows and vineyards.

A guide will walk you around the estate, giving you a brief history of the area, the grape varieties we planted and how we grow and process them. You will also get to enjoy the surrounding meadows and learn about the flowers and animals that call these vineyards their home. You will learn about their roles on the vineyard, as well as the conservation work we are undertaking around the site.

We will end the tour at one of the UK's oldest inhabited residences; Luddesdown Court, and enjoy the exquisite gardens whilst sampling wines produced by the Silverhand Estate.

Duration of the tour: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Please dress for the weather. The tour will go ahead come rain or shine.

It will be a moderate walk, with some steep climbs, so please wear appropriate footwear and bring your cameras as there will be plenty of photo opportunities!

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Vine & Meadow walk
Aug
31

Vine & Meadow walk

Luddesdown Vineyards, Silverhand Estates, DA13 0XE

We are delighted to welcome you on a guided walk around the vineyards of Luddesdown, finishing off with a glass of English bubbles.

Get to know the picturesque location of Luddesdown and its meadows and vineyards.

A guide will walk you around the estate, giving you a brief history of the area, the grape varieties we planted and how we grow and process them. You will also get to enjoy the surrounding meadows and learn about the flowers and animals that call these vineyards their home. You will learn about their roles on the vineyard, as well as the conservation work we are undertaking around the site.

We will end the tour at one of the UK's oldest inhabited residences; Luddesdown Court, and enjoy the exquisite gardens whilst sampling wines produced by the Silverhand Estate.

Duration of the tour: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Please dress for the weather. The tour will go ahead come rain or shine.

It will be a moderate walk, with some steep climbs, so please wear appropriate footwear and bring your cameras as there will be plenty of photo opportunities!

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Evening Summer Stroll - Cobham Hall
Jul
26

Evening Summer Stroll - Cobham Hall

Cobham Hall, Cobham DA12 3BL

Visit the magnificent grounds of Cobham Hall for an Evening Summer Stroll!

Join an Evening Summer Stroll in the magnificent grounds of Cobham Hall.

Only £8 per person.

For more information please contact – 01474 823371 or enquiries@cobhamhall.com

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Gravesend's Victorian Dream - A Guided Historical Walk
Jul
25

Gravesend's Victorian Dream - A Guided Historical Walk

Post Office Collection Office, The Grove, Gravesend

Join local historian Christoph Bull for a guided historical walk around Wellington Street area with a visit to the Zoar Chapel.

Please meet outside Post Office Collection Office, The Grove, Gravesend - opposite the Clock Tower.

A donation of £6 per head is requested.

No need to book just turn up.

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Dode Church - Open for Public Visits
Jul
21

Dode Church - Open for Public Visits

Dode Church, Luddesdown, Great Buckland, DA13 0XF

The public open days continue and you are welcome to come along and spend time here at Dode in the church and grounds…children and dogs welcome.

Volunteer, Anna, be on site between 12-3pm for anyone wishing to visit on this Sunday.

With limited parking onsite we ask that you please be respectful of parking and others on site.

Any donations are welcome towards The Wisdom Hospice and there will be a collection box available.

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The only one that got away-the unique story of how a POW crossed the world and escaped from Gravesend (Illustrated talk and supper)
May
20

The only one that got away-the unique story of how a POW crossed the world and escaped from Gravesend (Illustrated talk and supper)

Reliance Fish Bar, 4 Queen Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2EE

This story is truly a unique  First World War adventure linking Germany, The Netherlands, USA, China and Kent-and this story should be as famous locally as Pocahontas or General Gordon. Come along and be amazed.

Speaker: Christoph Bull

At: Reliance Restaurant, Queen Street, Gravesend

Begins: 6pm for supper-talk to follow

Cost: £22 for the talk with award winning fish & chip supper

Booking and pre payment essential 01474 533593 (Reliance Restaurant) or Jack  07768087036

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Cobham Wood & Mausoleum
May
19

Cobham Wood & Mausoleum

Darnley Mausoleum, Lodge lane, Cobham

Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cobham Wood is one of the few ancient wood pastures remaining in the UK. Comprising of open grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.

Standing at the highest point of the site is the 18th century Darnley Mausoleum. Designed by architect James Wyatt, the restored Mausoleum was featured in the BBCs Restoration programme in 2003.

The Mausoleum and South Lodge Barn are open on select dates during the summer. Free entry and no booking required.

More info - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cobham-wood-and-mausoleum

There is no parking at Cobham Woods, the nearest parking at Shorne Wood Country Park. Via the M2 and A2. Exit A2 at Shorne/Cobham. Follow signs for Shorne Country Park. Parking: The car park at Shorne Country Park is not owned by the National Trust, there is a small fee charged for all day parking. The Mausoleum is approximately a two mile walk from here. Sat Nav: Shorne Wood Country Park DA12 3HX.

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Guided heritage walk of Rosherville -Rosherville Gardens and Rosherville new town explained
May
11

Guided heritage walk of Rosherville -Rosherville Gardens and Rosherville new town explained

Elephant's Head public house, London Road, Rosherville, Northfleet

Guide: Christoph Bull

On: Saturday 11th May 2024

Meet: 1pm outside Elephant's Head public house, London Road, Rosherville, Northfleet

Cost: Free-no need to book

This is the last of the Cementfields People's Archive joint heritage walks with Christoph Bull (Local Historian)-the project ends in June. All are welcome.

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Cobham Wood & Mausoleum
May
5

Cobham Wood & Mausoleum

Darnley Mausoleum, Lodge lane, Cobham

Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cobham Wood is one of the few ancient wood pastures remaining in the UK. Comprising of open grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.

Standing at the highest point of the site is the 18th century Darnley Mausoleum. Designed by architect James Wyatt, the restored Mausoleum was featured in the BBCs Restoration programme in 2003.

The Mausoleum and South Lodge Barn are open on select dates during the summer. Free entry and no booking required.

More info - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cobham-wood-and-mausoleum

There is no parking at Cobham Woods, the nearest parking at Shorne Wood Country Park. Via the M2 and A2. Exit A2 at Shorne/Cobham. Follow signs for Shorne Country Park. Parking: The car park at Shorne Country Park is not owned by the National Trust, there is a small fee charged for all day parking. The Mausoleum is approximately a two mile walk from here. Sat Nav: Shorne Wood Country Park DA12 3HX.

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Cobham Wood & Mausoleum
Apr
21

Cobham Wood & Mausoleum

Darnley Mausoleum, Lodge lane, Cobham

Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cobham Wood is one of the few ancient wood pastures remaining in the UK. Comprising of open grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.

Standing at the highest point of the site is the 18th century Darnley Mausoleum. Designed by architect James Wyatt, the restored Mausoleum was featured in the BBCs Restoration programme in 2003.

The Mausoleum and South Lodge Barn are open on select dates during the summer. Free entry and no booking required.

More info - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cobham-wood-and-mausoleum

There is no parking at Cobham Woods, the nearest parking at Shorne Wood Country Park. Via the M2 and A2. Exit A2 at Shorne/Cobham. Follow signs for Shorne Country Park. Parking: The car park at Shorne Country Park is not owned by the National Trust, there is a small fee charged for all day parking. The Mausoleum is approximately a two mile walk from here. Sat Nav: Shorne Wood Country Park DA12 3HX.

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Cobham Wood & Mausoleum
Apr
7

Cobham Wood & Mausoleum

Darnley Mausoleum, Lodge lane, Cobham

Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cobham Wood is one of the few ancient wood pastures remaining in the UK. Comprising of open grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.

Standing at the highest point of the site is the 18th century Darnley Mausoleum. Designed by architect James Wyatt, the restored Mausoleum was featured in the BBCs Restoration programme in 2003.

The Mausoleum and South Lodge Barn are open on select dates during the summer. Free entry and no booking required.

More info - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cobham-wood-and-mausoleum

There is no parking at Cobham Woods, the nearest parking at Shorne Wood Country Park. Via the M2 and A2. Exit A2 at Shorne/Cobham. Follow signs for Shorne Country Park. Parking: The car park at Shorne Country Park is not owned by the National Trust, there is a small fee charged for all day parking. The Mausoleum is approximately a two mile walk from here. Sat Nav: Shorne Wood Country Park DA12 3HX.

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Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Apr
7

Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort

Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH

Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.

FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1

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Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Apr
6

Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort

Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH

Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.

FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1

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Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Apr
1

Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort

Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH

Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.

FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1

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Cobham Hall – Open to the Public 2024
Mar
31

Cobham Hall – Open to the Public 2024

Cobham Hall, Cobham DA12 3BL

On certain days of the year, Cobham Hall opens the House and Gardens to the public for tours. On these days the house opens at 2pm and closes at 5pm. The last tour begins at 4pm.

Cream teas available at extra cost – homemade cakes in the Gilt Hall.

Adults – £6/Concessions – £5

Cash only.

For more information please contact – 01474 823371 or enquiries@cobhamhall.com

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Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Mar
30

Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort

Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH

Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.

FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1

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Gad’s Hill Place Tour
Mar
23

Gad’s Hill Place Tour

Gad’s Hill Place, Gravesend Road, Higham, ME3 7PA

Visit the former home of Charles Dickens, Gad’s Hill Place – his ‘Little Kentish Freehold’.

When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad’s Hill Place. Young Charles was impressed and bought the house in 1856. In this house he wrote his last four Novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He lived there until his death in 1870.Gad’s Hill is set in pleasant grounds. You can visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the gardens and appreciate Dickens’ love for his country home in the Garden of England.

Enjoy a tour with a Dickens Fellowship guide followed by tea and biscuits.

Adults – £9.50, Children 7-13 years £5.00, under 6s free.

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