Alcohol, and that wonderful water, again, are behind Westerham’s proud brewing heritage. Home to the Black Eagle Brewery, this became part of Ind Coope in 1959, and when it closed in 1965, such was the quality of its ale
Did you know?
Churchill requested a cat called Jock should reside at Chartwell following his death 50 years ago. Today, the resident cat is Jock V1th.
By 1227 Henry III granted Westerham a market charter, making the new village a major player in the buying and selling of cattle in Kent, a tradition that survived to 1961 when the last cattle market was held in the town.
Scenes for the 2009 BBC mini-series Emma were shot at Squerryes Court, with the house appearing as Emma Woodhouse’s home Hartfield.
often frequented the town’s Old House at Home pub as her early married life broke down.
Other notable residents include Noel
Streatfield, the author of Ballet Shoes and Alice Liddell - the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
that yeast from the brewery was preserved at the National Collection of Yeast Cultures. Today, it is used by the present-day brewery - (established in 2004 by Robert Wicks) - for its notable ales, including Westerham British Bulldog.
The link to the dreaded drink is believed to have been behind the crime passionnel that saw Ruth Ellis gun down her wayward lover David Blakely outside a north London pub in 1955. Ruth, became the last woman to be hanged for her crime in England. Her marriage certificate listed The Kings Arms, Westerham, as her address and she
Events diary
As well as walking and places to visit, Westernam boasts family events including:
September 4-6 Discover the hidden history of Westerham and Crockham Hill at this summer’s Talk of the Town event.
November 26-Dec 6 Westerham Church stages its quirky Christmas Tree Festival, with about 100 trees, decorated by local businesses, children and individuals, on show.
Westerham Farmers’ Market is on the first and third Sunday of the month, in the High Street (9am-1pm). And, don’t forget, the town’s carpark offers visitors their first three hours free.
For details and more suggestions of places to enjoy, visit
www.visitwesterham.org.uk
22 Mid Kent Living Image top left: Westerham Farmers Market
Even today, the town continues its link with notoriety, with the Old Vicarage occupied by Brian Higgins and his team Xenomania, famous for producing hits for artists including Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue, Sugababes, Pet Shop Boys, Texas and Franz Ferdinand.
But the town has no time for resting on
its historic laurels, with Westerham Town Partnership and the town council providing a calendar of events that have found their own fame, attracting visitors from across the country keen to enjoy the delights and the warm welcome Westerham has to offer (see our events diary below).
And, while you’re there, check out the
tea rooms, local fish and chips, Thai and Chinese cuisine, the local deli, and all the pubs in between!
Play days
Delta Force Paintball, Covers Hall Farm, Westerham Kent TN16 2EY T 0844 477 5115
Noble Field Sports, shooting, clay pigeons, archery, falconry Squerryes Shoot Lodge, Goodley Stock Road, Westerham Kent TN16 1SL T 01959 230912
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