To increase audience capacity owing to popular demand, next Monday's lunchtime talk will now take place in the Lecture Theatre at Sessions House, County Hall (opposite #Maidstone East Station).
There's still time to reserve your seat…
📧 archives@kent.gov.uk
☎️ 03000 420 673
![Shown here is the right-hand display cabinet outside the Search Room at Kent Archives, Maidstone.
It currently contains a mini exhibition titled 'Every Day's a School Day: Learning and Literacy in Bygone Kent and Beyond', including:
· A letter from Fanny Austen, aged ten, to her ex-governess Miss Dorothy Chapman, 1803 [ref. U951/C102/4]
· Books formerly owned by Horatia Nelson, the illegitimate daughter of Lord Nelson, early 19th century [refs. U4254/1-4]
· ‘The Smeeth Cricket Chronicle’ by Eva Knatchbull-Hugessen, 1875 [refs. U951/C232/1-2]
· Marriage Bonds signed with autograph marks, 1660 [refs. DCb/PRC/24/1 and DCb/J/X/11/3]
· A printed bill and letters written by Matthias Buchinger – a German calligrapher, artist and magician who was born without hands or feet, 1733 [ref. U120/Z10]
· Copy of 'Transaction of a Congress held with the chiefs of the Ottawaws and Chippewaw Nations with several others' bearing their pictorial signatures, 1764 [ref. U1350/O48/4]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreib77h35dxkxbtg24r6wbrfyjv7m6gatn3b3sak4gsmwaz55wno5ie)
![Shown here is the left-hand display cabinet outside the Search Room at Kent Archives, Maidstone.
It currently contains a mini exhibition titled 'Every Day's a School Day: Learning and Literacy in Bygone Kent and Beyond', including:
· A memorisation activity from the “Welbent” Reading Scheme designed by teacher Augusta Monteith, c.1930 [Local History Collection]
· A volume titled 'An Illustrated Vocabulary for the Use of the Deaf and the Dumb' by Thomas James Watson, head of the London Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, 1857 [ref. Ch192/T1/3/1]
· Loose Pages from a Sunday School lessons book, 18th century [ref. P152/12/3]
· Photographs showing open air reading at Mayplace Road Council School in Crayford, 1937 [ref. KHLC-IMG/AL/2/30/1]; children collecting books from the County Mobile Library, c.1930-1940 [Local History Photographs Collection]; and students reading whilst using audiological equipment at the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate, 1957 [ref. Ch192/S11/1/5]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreid3oc6s7qrmwjzfh7poh5svhm2nkxdsef3556bmw7qjkem2qsxu4e)
![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 a scrapbook of ephemera pertaining to the Maidstone Ladies’ Speakers’ Club, 1983–1990 [ref. Ch146/M2/1]
It was necessary to remount much of the scrapbook's contents owing to the compiler's use of Blu Tack – a temporary adhesive putty which can fuse to documents and leave an oily residue if left in situ. We carefully removed this using a spatula, scalpel and tweezers.
Whilst we used polyester corners to secure the photographs, we opted for a type of Japanese tissue called Tengu to remount the paper ephemera. Made from kozo (bark fibre from paper mulberry) and weighing only 5 gsm, Tengu can be purchased as a 15 mm tape conveniently pre-coated in a water activated starch adhesive. Tearing as opposed to cutting Japanese tissue creates a feathered edge that blends with a document's fibres for a discreet repair.
Japanese tissue is also used for mending tears, reinforcing weaknesses, infilling losses, backing fragile documents, hinging loose material and mounting for display.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreidzq5qsi6iyerxhw3e6qppjijh6nkgmav6suk2obupgo4dm26zsdq)
![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 are display boards presenting a selection of original photographs from the Sittingbourne Paper Mill collection [fonds ref. U3843] held by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreiaqzvdt7dxgmv3q677tphntux47jcbqtrzw4qzfsbeiahu55kunme)
![Shown here are visitors attending the event at Sittingbourne Library. They're viewing display boards presenting a selection of original photographs from the Sittingbourne Paper Mill collection [fonds ref. U3843] held by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreiabsw4rpr5r6a3lc4bnkhif3kg6fr3yawqnfatv4oib4s5er5pubu)
![Shown here is part of the will of John Hawke of Garlinge in the parish of Petham, made 1604 and proved 1606 [ref. PRC/32/41]
The scribe used an ink made from the tannic acid of oak galls; growths formed by the tree in reaction to hosting the eggs of gall wasps.
Combining tannic acid with iron salts and a binder creates a dark ink which, today, appears purple/brown-black in colour. Many pre‑20th century manuscripts held by Kent Archives are written in this ink – favoured by European scribes for its permanence, water resistance and ease of manufacture.
However, iron gall ink becomes acidic over time and can oxidise due to excess iron in the ink formulation, causing weakening of the substrate upon which it has been used. At first, diffused halos develop around written text, followed by the ink striking through the document, leaving a shadowy impression on the verso. Eventually, the ink etches into the substrate to such an extent that material loss occurs, often referred to as lacing.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreial6gfdvrxhpvhtjcmpczb5yseiisj2mvgb2w2mpvvo75aszzrbee)
![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 an engraving depicting the west prospect of Knole in Sevenoaks, taken from 'Thirty six different views of noblemen and gentlemen's seats in the County of Kent…' by Thomas Badeslade, n.d. [c.1750] (ref. C150603044)
Overlaid are two red squares, marked 'A' and 'B', highlighting areas of the estate that appear in the recent adaptation of "Wuthering Heights", directed by Emerald Fennell.
Location 'A' comprises Knole Barn and Stable Court, which provided the backdrop for the harrowing opening scene of gallows day in Gimmerton Town Square. Since 2017, the 15th‑century barn with its Kentish flagstone facade has housed the National Trust’s conservation studio.
Location 'B' comprises Green Court and Stone Court, separated by Bourchier’s Tower. Here, the camera captures Heathcliff and Isabella approaching the tower’s archway as they arrive for their marriage ceremony. In the scene that follows, it appears that an indoor space at Knole serves as the chapel's interior.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:o3vof7rjobhzoxvub42zxtot/bafkreifyusmjrdiu6rrvezsmiezz5z6fq2l3gzlmhuf6pbliqjlvqcpmge)
![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)
