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Rochester

The final trip of the project takes us to Rochester.
We began the day by visiting the Cathedral where everyone was able to explore the crypt and main building. One of the participants was amazed by the height of the ceiling.

This was followed by a visit to The Guildhall Museum when project participants were able to learn more about their local area and about Charles Dickens.

Here are some of the things that we learnt:-

Ten historical facts about Gravesend.

1.Gravesham is referred to in the Doomsday book.
2.Gravesend has the oldest Cast Iron Pier in the world.
3.Pocahontas famously died and was buried in Gravesend in1617.
4.In days gone by Windmill Hill was the site of warning beacons.
5.The origin of the name Gravesend is believed to have developed from either 'Graaf-ham' maening 'the home of the Reeve or Bailiff of the Lord of the manor' or from Grafs-ham' meaning 'a place at the end of the grove'. It does not derive from the black death as has sometimes been believed.
6.Roman remains have been unearthed in Springhead in Northfleet.
7.Gravesend market dates back to 1268.
8.The housing estate called Riverview Park was built on an old airfield which had been used by the RAF during World War 2.
9.During the 19th century Gravesend was a popular tourist destination with people travelling from London by steamboat to stroll along the promenade.
10. The first Gravesend Regatta was held in 1715.

Did you know?

The name Kent is derived from a Celtic word 'Cantius' meaning 'rim or border'.

The Kent county motto INVICTA dates back to after the invasion of William the Conqueror, when having experienced a hostile reception from the Kentish people, the Normans decided to avoid the area.

Henry V marched through Dartford on his way to what would be the ledgendry battle of Agincourt.

Gads Hill near Higham is mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry IV part I. It was also a centre for Highwaymen.

The traditional name for a resident of Kent is a 'KENTISH LONGTAIL', this stems from a long held belief on the continent that the 'English' had 'tails'.

'Man of Kent or a Kentish man' which is which? Well, a Man of Kent or indeed a maid of Kent reside in the East of Kent where as a Kentish man or Kentish maid resides in the West of the county.