Next lunchtime talk: Monday 12th October, 1-2pm
📍 Kent History and Library Centre, #Maidstone
'Captain Swing in Kent, 1830-1831: Revolt and Repression' presented by Dr John Bulaitis.
Reserve your free seat today:
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673
#WhatsOn #History #Kent
![Shown here is a diary entry documenting the “Titanic” Eclipse of Wednesday 17th April 1912 [ref. U2500/F1/6]. Comprising a phase diagram and an amateur photograph of the event, the entry was penned by Major Alexander Ruthven Pym; a British Army officer, farmer, and Chairman of Kent County Council. It’s one of several diaries we hold by Pym, collectively spanning 1906-1971 (with the exception of 1908).
The "Titanic" Eclipse acquired its nickname owing to the tragic sinking of the famous ocean liner only two days prior. It was a hybrid solar eclipse: a rare astronomical event in which the Sun appears completely hidden by the Moon from some locations, whereas from others, a thin ring of sunlight remains visible. The area on Earth from which a total eclipse could be seen in April 1912 was extremely narrow, measuring only around 1.3 km (0.8 miles) wide at its maximum, and the Sun was completely covered for just two seconds.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable ocular experience this evening!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreiethwxr4hwfs6gwjyumzxl5kk6z6nazwtuylwwkkn3cgai6srvxze)
![Shown here are entries from a nominal register recording male and female admissions to Maidstone Prison [ref. PR/Md/3/2/2]
Among those offending on the 21st July 1884:
- Ellen, a 16 year old fieldworker. In Chatham, she committed the offence of being drunk and was sentenced to 5 days of hard labour or pay 9/-.
- John, a 52 year old gardener. In Malling, he committed the offence of stealing potatoes and was sentenced to 14 days of hard labour or pay 18/6.
- John, a 28 year old soldier. In Sheerness, he committed the offence of murder and was 'detained during Her Majesty's pleasure'. A note states that he was later 'removed to Broadmoor'.
- David, a 30 year old labourer. In Tunbridge Wells, he committed the offences of vagrancy/neglecting his family and was sentenced to 1 month of hard labour.
- William, a 57 year old labourer. In Tunbridge Wells, he committed the offence of being drunk and disorderly and was sentenced to 10 days of hard labour.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreicuwtghv6vvnxwimvkosbv3b6e2lunvbaatid23t5ws7cjutpocri)
![Shown here is an albumen photograph capturing young and senior members of Maidstone Swimming Club. It lists the club's captain as F. Griffin and the sub-captain as A. Hastie. Created by the London Photographic Co. (Maidstone and Sittingbourne), 1893 [ref. U3360/P2/2]
[Archives@Kent] is the quarterly newsletter published by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone. From publicising newly catalogued material to exploring documents in detail and sharing information about upcoming events, our newsletters can be delivered straight to your email inbox or accessed at www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter
Have yet to subscribe? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list –
Email: archives@kent.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 420 673](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreifrrnuwrefkml34myhv6teimevnvqyzcguioypprgxyepyfgd4v34)
![Shown here is Dr Mark Bateson (Engagement Officer) showing an attendee the 1392 Act of the Brodhull, with its six wax seals of the ports of Hastings, Winchelsea, Rye, Romney, Hythe and Sandwich [ref. Do/CPb1]
Saturday 27th June 2026](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreib7ekh3jslabjj5wsk5kyunzztc6ibq4thev3cmhi4nh73h77mfda)
![Shown here is a tinted postcard depicting a view of the Parish Hall at Barham. Published by J. G. Charlton, Photographer, Canterbury. Postmark dated 1909 [ref. KHLC-IMG/PO/1/BAM/UNCAT/1]
About the talk:
Susie Colyer Nethersole (1869-1956) was the author of eight novels set in East Kent and was one of the first authors signed by Mills and Boon in 1908. This talk will explore her works and consider the ways in which she wrote about the Kentish landscape. Although born into a farming family, Nethersole admitted that she had 'never actually gone out with the hoe herself’; however, her attention to detail is finely observed, with the colours of the fields, the flowers, the seasons and the weather creating a rich tableau which her characters inhabit. As one reviewer wrote: ‘here are people who are, bone and flesh, farming folk, in a countryside that is as freshly English as they are’.
Nevertheless, her stories are not chocolate-boxy, but grittily realistic. Rural life is tough, and characters struggle as well as thrive, as modernity threatens their traditions. For Nethersole this was her world, albeit often as an observer, but that world could also be grey and monotonous, and it is her 'warts and all' portrayal of Kent's rural past that marks her out as more than just a writer of romance fiction.
Dr Michelle Crowther is an Academic Librarian at Canterbury Christ Church University and a co-lead of the Kent Maps Online project. Her doctoral thesis explores the works of the Persistent Scribblers Society, a Canterbury-based manuscript magazine society from the 1870s. Her research interests include Victorian and Edwardian literature, manuscript magazines, biography, rural writers, and nineteenth century Canterbury.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreifvfhijosz65vjdmwusfkkbqcpqyfk55gcsjmn7a3fqdrswurafim)
![Shown here is a pendant seal with silk cords from an inspeximus of original royal letters patent dated at Westminster, 24th October, 1 Henry [V, 1413], 1423-1424 [ref. Ly/5/1/5]
About the talk:
What comes to mind first, at first glance of an ancient document or book? That it’s an incredible survivor? That the handwriting is tiny, beautiful, or in an unfamiliar language? That it may be embellished with illuminated letters with gorgeous colours of deep pigments and burnished gold? That there’s a surviving seal or even multiple seals?
For the textile lover however, focus on these wonderful things can fade when encountering the tantalising addition of an original ribbon, braid or embroidered seal bag and the thoughts of how, where, and by whom it was made.
Sue Lamberton is an independent scholar with a particular interest in the silkwomen of London, who demonstrates, teaches and makes silk textiles for museums and historic sites, the performing arts industry and living history.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreid77uqsr74mfupc7f5bsmt6hjshl5zspjplxuovasfspjemla3gyy)
![Shown here is a sepia photographic negative capturing a scene of caravans and trucks parked at Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, 13th May 1966 [collection ref. KHLC-2018/56]. Photograph copyright KM Media Group Ltd.
About the talk:
Kent has the UK’s biggest Gypsy/Traveller population and was at the forefront of efforts to address the accommodation crisis facing these communities in the post-war period. This talk will examine the impact and implementation of the 1960 and 1968 (Pt. II) Caravan Acts in Kent, focusing especially on Maidstone, and will use local authority and press sources to consider the factors determining who, where and how itinerants were accommodated and their enduring impacts at the local level.
Dr David Smith is a Reader in Social Policy. His research aims to document the experience of minority and underprivileged communities including Roma, Gypsies and Travellers, foreign workers in the NHS, and working class localities affected by public policy and housing development.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreifzyexowjjinh5sjqgzsld3wrshjj6chheasznzqscfujzcm4wgce)
![Shown here is a photograph of Sir Hugh Garrard Tyrwhitt Drake (1881-1964) flanked by two well-groomed horses. It's taken from the cover of his 1936 book, 'Beasts and circuses: being a few experiences during many years of wild animal keeping and intimate connection with circuses and shows' [ref. BK/C150608018]
Discover more about Tyrwhitt‑Drake’s life and long association with Maidstone in Gareth Brown’s latest newsletter article – part of his 'Tales from the Vehicle Licensing Registers' series.
[Archives@Kent] is the quarterly newsletter published by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone. From publicising newly catalogued material to exploring documents in detail and sharing information about upcoming events, our newsletters can be delivered straight to your email inbox or accessed at www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter
Have yet to subscribe? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list –
Email: archives@kent.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 420 673](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreicus6pfxbcixc2m36vl6a55ptlir7cpht752sx7m4h52gtmbmi3em)
![Shown here is João, a former volunteer at Kent Archives. He can be seen in our Search Room, transcribing one of the late-19th century nominal registers from our Maidstone Prison collection [sub-fonds ref. PR/Md]
From hosting reading groups to providing customers with IT support and developing resources to aid historical research, the Time2Give scheme offers members of the public the opportunity to volunteer at Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives.
For further information and to submit an application, visit:
www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/clubs-and-activities-in-libraries/volunteer-in-libraries-and-archives](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreid7jjf6ke4prk2ayxp6vrso3akklhtgw2r3yhpchgtvqhfqkx7dgu)
![Shown here is a marriage proposal letter received by Frances Humphrey of Seal in 1809 [ref. U1050/C76]
The besotted sender writes that Frances may consider him 'an almost perfect stranger', but her charms have not escaped his sight. He reveals his full name – only partially snipped from the page, allowing us to identify him as 'Rich'[ard]. He continues, saying that he has been 'entirely engrossed' by Frances ever since he first set eyes on her at a New Year’s Ball: delaying his marriage proposal only to ascertain whether her 'heart was disengaged'.
Richard discloses that his 'living' is 'nearly four hundred pounds a year' – phrasing typical of a clergyman. He also mentions owning a 'comfortable residence' and a farm, although their locations have been snipped, and possessing 'four thousand pounds in the three percent consols'.
He hopes Frances' parents will approve, asks her not to leave him in suspense, and boldly concludes by referring to himself as her 'adoring husband'.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreibvp36ialqptymaljsb2exgkjsqpw2ykkny5w5q6rleimrf5oa244)
![Shown here is a postcard depicting an exterior view of Jezreel's Tower at Chatham Hill, Gillingham. Postmark dated 9th August 1923 [ref. GIL 85]
Jezreel's Tower was an imposing religious structure intended to be the centrepiece of a small but fervent sect called the New and Latter House of Israel, led by James Jezreel (c.1851-1885).
Initially a soldier in the British Army, Jezreel was influenced by the prophetic teachings of Joanna Southcott of Taleford, Devon (1750-1814), and established a Medway-based enclave of "Jezreelites" to continue her movement.
Despite the sect's ambition, the tower was never completed owing to financial strain and the death of Jezreel in 1885, which left the group without strong leadership. Whilst the structure fell into disrepair, its decaying shell became a notable curiosity of the local landscape.
After standing derelict for decades, the tower was demolished in 1961 — bringing an end to one of Kent’s most unusual architectural landmarks.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreicq6v2nbolkwxqxct55rru4p7ak3ehktb3tj7lbxrahhbw7jroww4)
![Shown here is Alice Imperatori consulting a volume in the Search Room at Kent Archives. Alice joined the team as an Archive Services Officer in April 2025 and, in our latest newsletter, reflects on her academic background, previous experience in the archives sector, and her first nine months working with our collections.
[Archives@Kent] is the quarterly newsletter published by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone. From publicising newly catalogued material to exploring documents in detail and sharing information about upcoming events, our newsletters can be delivered straight to your email inbox or accessed at www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter
Have yet to subscribe? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list –
Email: archives@kent.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 420 673](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreic2vvlgfgpsszrbij6gjul4ws67ugstmxkoloaklnwqxuxdxjhjii)
![Shown here is an undated [late 19th century] albumen print photograph showing Maidstone Museum from Brenchley Gardens. It was published by Frederick Bunyard, a bookseller and stationer in Maidstone [ref. H/U18/44]
A handwritten inscription on the verso of the mount reads:
'Maidstone: The Museum is a curious ancient building upon the site of the Manor house of Chillington and associated with the name of Sir John Lord Cobham as early as 1343.
The building itself is a curiosity. The collections are good in ancient remains, geology, specimens of extinct animals, and general natural history. The room set apart for the Library is large and commodious and well stocked with books which though neither old nor rare are good and some of them very valuable. Open to all, admission free.
God keep all
Dwelling in this place
in Meat and Wealth
with Truth and Grace
Amen. J. C.
Inscription in the interior of the Great Hall.'](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreia5zs3bbnogqnb4ht525dljyay7rcs3q26p4w6gviimgvxvhzfxca)
![Shown here is a printed Christmas card depicting a traditional festive scene of carol singers calling at a house, n.d. [early 20th century].
Printed on the front are the words ‘Hearty Christmas Wishes’, followed by a short poem inside the card. It reads:
'Joyous greetings speed away
Bringing “Merry Christmas Day”
Kind thoughts more than words can tell
Wishes true to wish you well
At this happy time of cheer
And all through the coming year.'
It’s one of several Christmas and New Year cards that can be found among the papers of Johnann Shiels and Maud Bourne of Folkestone, a collection spanning 1860-1930. To view them, request ref. F1975/14/F7 in our Search Room.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreia5agfzj7o7qxmuw4lfe3ngamq3gvp56pkqzji23dl7jvigaunzei)
![Shown here is an information pack titled 'HIV/AIDS: How can we help?'. It was compiled by Kent County Council’s Social Services in the mid-to-late 1990s [ref. C/SS/1/13]
Produced with the assistance of those living in Kent with HIV and AIDS, the pack provides a glimpse into the challenges and advocacy efforts surrounding the public health crisis in the 1990s. It includes details about transmission; accessing testing and treatment; the county, national and global picture; the help available from Kent’s Social Services; patient confidentiality; and the cost associated with receiving assistance.
Inserted at the back are supplementary documents including 'Treatment Issues: A basic guide to medical treatment options for people with HIV and AIDS' published by The Terrence Higgins Trust in April 1996; and several sheets listing essential county-wide contacts as at April 1997, among which include testing and counselling services, helplines, local carer groups, and drug addiction advisers.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreiere6t72fjagqh6b34inam5qah4xjokl34jnbgaeedzl7kzymtzh4)
![Shown here is a programme regarding a fireworks display in Ramsgate for Sir Moses Montefiore by C. T. Brock & Co. of the Crystal Palace, 8th November 1883 [ref. U4364/Z3]
Established in 1698, Brocks was a pioneer of the British pyrotechnics industry and remains the nation's oldest fireworks manufacturer. Founded in Islington, the company later operated from South Norwood, capitalising on its proximity to the ill-fated Crystal Palace by staging frequent fireworks displays there until the iron-and-glass structure was razed by fire in 1936.
This printed programme relates to an event held for Sir Moses Montefiore, a renowned Jewish philanthropist and financier who celebrated his 99th birthday in 1883. Ramsgate was a fitting location as Montefiore resided nearby at East Cliff Lodge. A major civic occasion, the schedule featured a procession at 12:30pm, followed by a fireworks display — including a 'huge fire portrait' of Montefiore, a Brocks invention — and a 'monster bonfire' at 6:30pm.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreibqklwhg6bzjrtw2tjtbx7ekoadfx63ytujvuxhnxktucunco2uye)
![Shown here is a photograph capturing members of Maidstone Swimming Club wearing swimming uniform and medals, n.d. [c.1886] [ref. U3360/P2/1]
About the talk:
Through an examination of local newspapers and archival documents held at Kent Archives, this talk will explore the sports of rowing, cycling and swimming, and the development of clubs across urban Kent. The talk considers the debates around amateurs, professionals and money, as well as issues of competition, class, the participation of women, health, commercialisation, modernity, and civic pride. The development of the three sports will be placed within the wider context of socio-economic change and will demonstrate the proliferation of a wide variety of clubs and the popularity of sport for both participants and spectators.
Dr Catherine Budd is an Archive Services Officer at Kent Archives. She holds a PhD in the history of sport and previously worked as a lecturer, teaching modern British and European history.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreibplbihhpl4hvragh44co7lkuyhihvyqf7obwol5s4ijazposw4pa)
![Shown here is an early 20th century postcard depicting Lewis & Evenden, drapers and grocers (left) and The Black Horse Pub (right) in Pluckley, Kent [ref. KHLC-IMG/PO/1/PLU/4]
Located five miles to the west of Ashford and once home to the aristocratic Dering family, Pluckley found its place in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records owing to numerous reports of supernatural occurrences.
Between 12 and 16 spectres allegedly haunt the village, including an impaled highwayman at Fright Corner; a phantom horse-drawn coach at Maltman's Hill (often heard but not seen); a burnt gypsy lady at Pinnock Bridge; the hanging body of a suicidal schoolmaster; the ghost of Lady Dering in the graveyard of St Nicholas’ Church; and a young Victorian boy at the Black Horse Pub.
At the latter, it's claimed that tableware and articles of clothing have been seen moving of their own accord – occasionally disappearing, only to return at a later date. So much for having a quiet drink down at the local!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreibvgnbeodbq4zwu2dcxyv5yvxorpggeifb5bnlth3i3vvvpopv26u)
![Shown here are early documents relating to the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, including:
· A hand drawn plan [Q/RUm/74A] and corresponding book of reference [Q/RUm/74B] concerning the line's proposed route, 1824
· The Act of Parliament which approved the line's construction, 1825 [Q/RUo/5a/8]
Designed by pioneering railway engineer George Stephenson (1781–1848), the "Crab and Winkle Line", as it came to be known, was a modest six miles in length and opened on the 3rd May 1830.
In 1834, it became the first railway in the world to sell season tickets, allowing passengers from Canterbury to visit Whitstable throughout the summer season. The following year, Isambard Kingdom Brunel paid a visit to inspect the line and conduct experiments amidst debate about his proposed Great Western Railway.
In addition to its use of steam locomotion, the line was notable for its innovative traction system which hauled trains up steep gradients using cables controlled by stationary steam engines.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreieafwq6ni6fq4wyxztxzrzzq2otad75cwsz2qsxube6urzslyiwgu)
![Shown here is part of a black and white photograph capturing male students using the 'spider's web' ropes in the gymnasium at Nonington College of Physical Education, 1970s [ref. U4164/P3/3/3]
[Archives@Kent] is the quarterly newsletter published by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone. From publicising newly catalogued material to exploring documents in detail and sharing information about upcoming events, our newsletters can be delivered straight to your email inbox or accessed at www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter
Have yet to subscribe? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add you to our mailing list –
Email: archives@kent.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 420 673](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreiddqg2bjfksq6hzp6lmtidjqldrnjpssuwlu465zeibg77tbjhuky)