May: Local and Community History Month – Kent’s Local History

Did you know that Kent has been occupied since the Palaeolithic times, or that Kent was likely the Romans’ main entry point during the British invasion? Do you know that the River Medway was used by the Royal Navy to defend the Medway towns from the Danes, and that it also determines whether you are a Man/Maid or Kent, or a Kentish Man/Maid? Read this blog to celebrate Local and Community History Month during May, where we provided a brief history of Kent and you can find out why we are proud to live in England’s, Gateway to the World.

Between 1933 and 1955, three separate pieces of a female skull were found within a quarry, in Swanscombe by a group of archaeologists. This skull was later identified as a Homo heidelbergensis skull, that dates back over 400,000 years to the Hoxnian Stage of the British Isles; and is quite possibly the oldest skull found in Britain! 

Are you wondering where the name, Kent, came from and what it means? It is believed to have derived from the Brythonic word “Kantos”, the German word “Kant”, or the British word “Cant”, meaning “rim” or “border”. You may also know that Julius Caesar called Kent, “Cantium” and even noted that those who inhabit Cantium are by far the most civilised in the whole maritime region! So, it turns out, the people from Kent are just civilised people, that live on the border of England!

Traditionally Kent is divided in to East Kent and West Kent by the River Medway, a 70-mile-long river of which 13 miles flow through Sussex, one of Kent’s neighbouring regions. The River Medway was a key spot for the Royal Navy to defend during the second Anglo-Dutch War, also referred to as the Raid on the Medway. You may also know that people whom were born in Kent are typically divided in to two groups. Those that were born to the east of the Medway were known as Men/Maids of Kent, and those that were born to the West of the Medway, were known as Kentish Men/Maids. Though the original reason for this division is unknown, it may refer to the ethnic diversity of Kent with the arrival of the Jutes; a German people who settled in the east of Kent shortly after the Roman armies departed in the 5th century.

It’s argued that Richborough Castle, Sandwich – which is an impressive Saxon fort, was the Romans’ main entry point when they invaded Britain. Kent has 28 castles in total, most are large defensive castles, likely due to being placed on the English coast to protect it from invaders. This includes Leeds Castle, Maidstone which has been dubbed “the loveliest castle in the world”. Now, Kent is less than an hour from London and even has fast travel to Europe; the perfect place to visit, especially when Lonely Planet voted to say that Kent has some of the best beaches in Europe!

Anybody looking at Kent’s history and culture would soon come across Canterbury and its cathedral; which is a cornerstone to Kentish tourism. When St Augustine came to Kent in 597AD, he founded the first cathedral in England, in Canterbury; unfortunately, the cathedral has been burnt down many times, but now stands in the same site that it was originally built upon.

Do you know that the people of Kent adopted the motto “Invicta”, meaning undefeated, following the invasion of Britain by William of Normandy? The people of Kent claimed that they had frightened the Normans away, as once they reached the capital, they ignored most of East Kent where the peasants kept attacking their armies at every opportunity. Although, going back to Men of Kent, and Kentish Men; it is said that the Men of Kent resisted William the Conqueror, whilst the Kentish Men surrendered. Though there is a monument that stands in the church yard of Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s church in Swanscombe that reads:

"Near this spot in the year 1067. By ancient tradition the men of Kent and Kentish men, carrying boughs on their shoulders and swords in their hands, met the invader, William. Duke of Normandy. They offered peace if he would grant their ancient rights and liberties otherwise war and that most deadly. Their request was granted and from that day the motto of Kent has been INVICTA meaning Unconquered."

We hope that you are a bit more aware of Kent’s history! Share with us, a piece of your local history in the comments below. If you have a piece of Kent’s history that you think is important, then let us know and it could be added to this blog!

Read our latest blog to find out our 10 top tips for using social media in your job search. Find out what your social media profiles are really saying...