A Bygone Age of Kent
The following gallery consists of images from a variety of locations throughout Kent. They are black and white olden-day Kentish locations starting from the 1863. All pictures are from the Kent Messenger newspaper archives and show changing rural life over the years through to 1938. PLease click on the thumbnail images to view it's larger version.
In 1863 the London, Chatham & Dover Railway opened on the sea front at Ramsgate. Note the horse-drawn bathing machines.
The sea front railway at Ramsgate was demolished in 1927.
Mill Street, Maidstone, in 1864, with one of the mills from which it takes it's name, and the bridge over the River Len.
A view of the same Mill Street in 1864, but nearer the High Street. It has been widened considerably.
The windmill at High Halden in 1866. The sweeps from this mill were used on the windmill at Woodchurch.
College Road, Maidstone in 1866, showing College Farm on the left, and right, the entrance to the Old College.
Ashford High Street in 1867, looking towards the Coucil Chambers from Castle Street presented a tranquil scene.
Maidstone's original bridge was demolished in 1880. The present three-arched replacement was opened a year before.
In 1881,Coppen's Cottage, pulled down the same year, stood at the foot of Farleigh Hill on the south side of East Farleigh Bridge.
Opened in 1881, Ramsgate's Marina Pier had a scenic railway. It finally burnt down and the structure was cleared in 1931.
Tenterden in 1882, but when the Toll Gate was removed is unknown. The old police station was built on the site of the shown gabled house.
In 1904, Maidstone's horse 'bus' plyed between Barming Asylum, College Road and the Cemetary. It was the forerunner of the trams.
In 1908 Margate sands were just the place for bathing, and the bathing machines were drawn up and down by horses as the tides changed.
At Broadstairs in 1908, bathing tents had begun but machines with thier back curtains were still considered more dignified for ladies!
In 1922 the work of widening Loose Road in Maidstone was in progress and give work to the unemployed.
Loose Road widening - a view looking towards the oast houses in Plains Avenue, and the turning into Sheals Crescent is cut out of the chalky soil.
In 1923 the first omnibus service was started within the Maidstone Borough boundary between London Road and Penenden Heath.
Built by Shorts in 1938,the pick-a-back plane (Mayo Composite) flys over Rochester Castle & Cathedral before the two planes separated.