Tenterden is a small town in the Ashford District of Kent, England. It stands on the edge of the Weald, overlooking the valley of the River Rother.

The town's name is derived from the Old English "Tenet Waraden", meaning a den or forest clearing in the forest which belonged to the men of Thanet.

History

The town grew from the 14th century around the wool industry; although, unlike other such centres in the Weald, it had the advantage of access to the sea. Much of what is now Romney Marsh was under water, and ships docked at Smallhythe. Timber from the Wealden forests was used to construct ships, and in 1449 Tenterden was incorporated into the Confederation of Cinque Ports as a limb of Rye. Ships built in the town were then used to help Rye fulfil its quota for the Crown.

A school was in existence here in 1521; later (in 1666) it was referred to as a grammar school.

The town

Town Council

For the purposes of local government, the town is divided into four wards: North, South, West and St Michaels. The latter is the part of the town to the north (see below).

Churches & chapels

There are two parish churches:

• St Mildred's is in the main part of the town. The church dates from the 12th Century, and was progressively enlarged until 1461, when the distinctive tower was constructed. It was one of the churches in the 1588 system of warning beacons
• St Michael's The suburb now called St Michael's was known as Boresisle until Victorian times, when a church dedicated to St Michael was built to serve this community. The church was consecrated in 1863, but construction of the steeple took a further 12 years.

The Unitarian Chapel, originally called the Old Meeting House, was built c1695. A plaque on the wall records that Dr Benjamin Franklin worshipped here in 1783, where he was to hear Joseph Priestley preach.

The town

Tenterden's broad tree-lined High Street offers a selection of shopping facilities, making the town a centre for a number of villages in the area. Tourist attractions draw the visitors: especially the Kent & East Sussex Railway line to Bodiam and a local vineyard.

Tenterden is an important nodal centre with routes radiating to Rolvenden and Hastings (A28), Wittersham and Rye (B2082), Appledore and New Romney (B2080), Woodchurch and Hamstreet (B2067) and Ashford and Maidstone (A28/A262).

Homewood school is also situated in Tenterden.

Famous connections

• William Caxton (of printing press fame) is reputed to have been born in the town.
• Ellen Terry (1847-1928) the actress, lived for many years at nearby Smallhythe Place, which is now under the care of the National Trust.
• Sir David Frost was born in the town.
• Nicki French the singer, grew up in the town after her family moved there when she was four.
• Sir Donald Sinden lives in the area.
• Jazz Dhiman Actor, lives in the area

Population

The district had a population of 7,600 at the 2001 census.

Sports

• Tenterden Cricket Club is based just off the High Street, along Smallhythe Road.
• The 2007 Tour de France races through the town, along the A28 on July 8th, with a sprint for the Maillot vert (green jersey) taking place in Tenterden.

External links

• Tenterden Web Site Tourism and Community web site
• Town website
• Village notes
• Smallhythe Place
• Homewood School
• Tenterden Cricket Club
• Tourist Guide to Tenderden

Towns in Kent | Ashford, Kent