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FOCUS ON FORDWICH 015
MANY ANCIENT ARTEFACTS REMAIN, INCLUDING DOCUMENTS, A DUCKING STOOL AND A HUGE 800-YEAR-OLD TRUNK WITH THREE LOCKS
Fordwich Town Hall
take a look. Two pubs are ready to welcome the thirsty traveller, with both The George and Dragon and The Fordwich Arms offering hospitality, fresh food and pleasant gardens.
A Hidden Gem
Tucked away from the main road, the Town Hall, with its wonderful herringbone brickwork, is believed to date from the 13th century. The smallest and oldest of its kind still in use, it’s possible to explore it now (selected times) and soak up the historic atmosphere. A bill of sale from 1474 records a
purchase of logs to heat the building, which in its time saw accused miscreants ‘pleading at the bar’ in front of Mayor and jury. Many ancient artefacts remain, including documents, a ducking stool and a huge 800-year-old trunk with three locks – each key kept, for security, by a different dignitary. A tiny prison cell held the accused,
whilst the jury was locked into a retiring room to reach their decision. On the darker side, executions also took place – with some poor souls reputed to have been drowned in a well! Visit today, however, and you will be made most welcome.
On the River
Canoe hire (
www.canoewild.co.uk) is a great way to appreciate the abundance of nature and get exercise and fresh air. Or let newly formed Fordwich River Tours (www.
fordwichrivertours.co.uk) take you on a relaxing boat trip down the Stour. Moored on the south bank, business partner Julie Richardson describes time on the river as nature’s way of unwinding. With frequent sightings of heron, kingfi sher and cormorant (to name a few) and fi sh visible in the clear water, it’s a gentle way to enjoy the Kent countryside from a different viewpoint.
Ducking stool
Further information
• TOWN HALL OPENING TIMES 1.30pm-4pm every Sunday and Bank Holiday from May-September. In addition, Wednesdays in August and Heritage Open Days from 7th-10th Sept.
Fordwich Town Hall - The Courtroom
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