Town Profile
Mary's Church which has a fine spire, huge tower and rare James II coat of arms. A community of Benedictine nuns
was founded in the town around 1090 and St Mary's Abbey welcomes 3,000 guests a year for retreats and quiet days. Admire the Tudor Abbey Gatehouse and Georgian waterfall called The Cascade and keep an eye open for the bronze statue of Hope which has panels recording the town's past. One shows the first ever- recorded cricket match in 1705, which may have inspired Charles Dickens. He visited the area while writing the Pickwick Papers which included a game between All Muggleton and Dingley Dell.
Time travels Exploring further back in time, the area has a number of fascinating ancient monuments. History buffs might enjoy a visit to the Kits Coty megalithic tomb at Aylesford. At the nearby Aylesford Priory, the Friars welcome visitors to its beautiful grounds and many events are held there throughout the year. Addington Long Barrow is a neolithic burial mound with around 25 surviving stones. Many of the pretty villages around West Malling are steeped
in history and boast stunning parish churches. Perhaps the most unusual is St Lawrence's at Mereworth, a Palladian church built by the owner of the nearby castle who knocked down the village and rebuilt it half a mile away so it couldn't be seen from his estate.
The Coldrum
Stones, located near the small village of Trottiscliffe, date back to 4000 BC and form the best preserved longbarrow in Kent. The remains of 20 skeletons were unearthed from within the tomb, including one showing evidence of a violent death. Explore this National Trust site and climb to the top of the mound to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The charming village of Offham
has a strange wooden feature, known as the Quintain, which stands on the Green. This six feet high pole has a rotating arm on top and was said to be a Roman invention which was popular in Elizabethan times to test the agility of horsemen. During the Second World War, the quintain was removed as it was feared the unusual landmark could assist an invading army, and was restored with much ceremony in 1945. After solving the puzzle of how this ancient machine works, treat yourself to a pint and home-cooked pie in the nearby Kings Arms – a welcoming country pub.
VINER & SONS LTD Keith Viner
FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS
THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN RUN BY OUR FAMILY SINCE 1777
We pride ourselves on our caring personal service All locations covered
PERSONAL DAY AND NIGHT SERVICE & PRIVATE CHAPEL OF REST
GOLDEN CHARTER
PRE-PAYMENT SCHEMES AVAILABLE Please contact us for further details
54 High Street, West Malling, ME19 6LU email:
info@vinerandsons.co.uk www.vinerandsons.co.uk Tel: 01732 842485
Mid Kent Living 21 FRANK’S RESTAURANT & MUSSEL BAR
Steaks! Mussels! Steaks! Mussel night every Mon & Thurs – £14.50 for mussels, fries, dessert & coffee
Daily lunches A la carte menu available
Sunday Roast 2 Courses £11.95 3 Courses £13.95
Choice of 22 moules and Belgian beers
53-55 High Street, West Malling ME19 6QH Tel: 01732 843247
www.franksrestaurantandmusselbar.com
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