Villages near Sandwich, Kent
Ash:
Formerly on the main thoroughfare from Canterbury to Sandwich, Ash would have seen many famous historical travellers, including the Kings and Queens of England. It has now been bypassed and enjoys the gentle bustle of local village life. Once part of the Royal manor of Wingham and having been given to the See of Canterbury in 850 AD by King Athelstan, Ash became a separate parish in 1282. It is one of the largest in Kent The lovely church of St Nicholas was probably built on the site of an early saxon building, and dates partly from the 12th century. The highly visible tower and steeple were once used as navigation aids. They now house a ring of 10 bells. There is a collection of medieval monumental effigies inside and amongst the brasses you will find one to Jane Kerriel (c 1455) which reveals a unique horse-shoe head-dress. In Ash Street you can discover 11 of the 12 original manor houses and several medieval houses amongst many fine period homes. The Chequer Inn was a timbered hall house dating from c1500. Just opposite is a car park and public convenience. There are a few shops, hairdressers and a post office. The vineyard at Ash Coombe offers tastings and tours.
Eastry:
Dating from Anglo-Saxon times, its name derives from Eastorege which means the eastern district. The conservation area with attractive mixed period houses centres around the church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin. There is a Norman doorway and windows while the nave is probably 13th century. The five rows of medallion frescoes above the chancel were only discovered a century ago and have recently been restored. One of Eastry’s four windmills remains in Mill Lane, it dates from 1740. The village has several shops and a post office on the main street which having been by-passed is now pleasantly peaceful. Early closing day is on Thursday and lunchtime closing is still observed.
Ham:
Delightful little hamlet of thatched cottages, victorian terrace, renovated farm buildings and lovely old manor house located along picturesque narrow lanes. Disused church now renovated as stained glass workshop and home. Food available at the Blazing Donkey which is set in landscaped gardens. Look out for the much photographed Ham-Sandwich signpost at the West Street junction.
Finglesham:
Just off the A258, this quaint, peaceful hamlet has several notable period homes and some attractive barn conversions. There is a plant nursery and an excellent award winning country pub, The Crown Inn which has a 16th century restaurant with oak beams, flagstone floors and an inglenook fireplace.
Woodnesborough:
Sometimes called Winsborough, the village is reputedly named after the saxon god Woden. At one time the sea came close to the hill on which you can see the church and the original spire was used by sailors to find their way into Sandwich without becoming grounded on the Goodwin sands. The decaying spire was little use after the Stour silted up and it was replaced with a cupola in the 18th century.
Worth:
Picturesque village set amidst orchards and fields, with central conservation area arranged around a pretty duck pond which formerly marked the end of a navigable creek. Many fine period houses including Barton House which graces the front of the area ordnance survey map. The historic church of St Peter and St Paul has Norman origins, unusual wooden shingles on the tower and a roof reminiscent of an upturned boat which supposedly is where the design originated. There are two popular pubs with restaurants, including the award winning St Crispin Inn, a newspaper kiosk, a farm shop, and garden centre. A playing field at the crossroads provides child play apparatus and frequently hosts cricket matches and village events in the summer.