The Dockyard & Ship Repair at Sheerness - A Talk by Martin Verrier
Gravesend Town Pier
We are pleased to be hosting a photographic exhibition by Martin Verrier on the 28th & 29th of June at the Town Pier overlooking the river.
Martin will be giving a talk on the 28th June during his exhibition about the photographs and the many interesting stories that go along with them.
Martin has documented and photographed the Port of Sheerness and has a collection of images of the ship repair yard and many stories gleaned from the tug crews, especially the engineers in the repair yard when their vessels arrived for refit.
Martin has recorded images over so many years, of an industry which has all but disappeared.
A Guided Riverside Tour with Christoph Bull
Fort Gardens, Gravesend
The end of June brings the Nao Santa Maria, a tall ship representing Christopher Columbus's flagship to our Town Pier.
Join well-known local historian, Christoph Bull for a guided walk following The Thames shore from General Gordon's statue to the Town Pier - many forgotten stories recounted.
Meet at the start of the walk at General Gordon's statue in Gordon Gardens, off the Promenade.
Time duration: 1 hour
Butterfly ID for Beginners - Silverhand Estate
Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE
Spend a lovely two hours with lovely host Jenny Price, walking around Silverhand Estate learning about all the butterflies that are on site.
Jenny will take you through step by step on how to use I.D. guides, how to identify butterflies, how to record findings and why Civitan science surveys like this are important.
The estate is home to some rare butterflies such as the Adonis Blue and the Chalk Hill Blue as well as more common species such as the Peacock and Red Admiral.
This event will run between 10am -12noon on Saturday May 31st and Saturday September 13th.
Please note this event is weather reliant. If the weather is wet, the event will be cancelled and moved to another date with 24 hours notice.
H.M.S. India
St Mary's Church Hall, DA11 7LL
The Gravesend Historical Society invite you to a talk by Rebecca Clarke.
Rebecca Clarke tells the interesting story of her family member Arnold Clarke, a Gravesend boy who served on H.M.S. India in World War 1 and unusually was interned in Norway.
Members - free, visitors only £3.
For more information please ring Hon Secretary Sandra Soder 01474 363998.
Historical Circular Walk from Chalk to Shorne
Corner of Thong Lane/Rochester Road, DA12 4LB
Enjoy an Historical Circular Walk from Chalk to Shorne.
As part of Gravesend Historical Society Footpaths Programme 2025 join local historian Christoph Bull for an interesting guided walk full of local history.
Please meet at the corner of Thong Lane/Rochester Road, Chalk DA12 4LB.
Donations welcome. More details - 07702287147
The walk is open to all to discover our wonderful locality.
Wild Flowers of Luddesdown
Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE
This guided walk will explore the great diversity and beauty of the wild plants growing around the Silverhand Estate
Dr Mark Spencer will explain the regionally important populations of wild plants that the vineyard aims to protect. You will engage with nature and the wild plants; learn how they are a vital part of the farming landscape.
This is a great opportunity to meet and have questions answered by Dr Mark Spencer, Forensic Botanist.
The walk is uphill, but at a steady space. We advise wearing appropriate footwear and clothing to suit the weather.
Wildflowers of Luddesdown will run between 10am -12noon.
The event may be postponed if the weather conditions are extremely wet; your safety is paramount to us.
Butterfly ID for Beginners - Silverhand Estate
Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE
Spend a lovely two hours with lovely host Jenny Price, walking around Silverhand Estate learning about all the butterflies that are on site.
Jenny will take you through step by step on how to use I.D. guides, how to identify butterflies, how to record findings and why Civitan science surveys like this are important.
The estate is home to some rare butterflies such as the Adonis Blue and the Chalk Hill Blue as well as more common species such as the Peacock and Red Admiral.
This event will run between 10am -12noon on Saturday May 31st and Saturday September 13th.
Please note this event is weather reliant. If the weather is wet, the event will be cancelled and moved to another date with 24 hours notice.
Northfleet guided walk
Northfleet Railway Station
The amazing history of Northfleet is revealed-an antidote to those who think (wrongly) that there is nothing interesting about this town.
The walk should last about 1.5 hours.
Guide: Christoph Bull
On: Saturday 24th May
Meet: 11am at Northfleet Railway Station
Cost: Free (donations welcome).
Part of Explore Kent. Booking is available 01474 337600
Myths & Legends of Gravesham and Dartford – Pt1 (Illustrated talk and lunch)
Florist-café, 84A High Street, Strood ME2 4AR
Speaker: Christoph Bull
Lost stories and much more from our local folkllore
On: Wednesday 21st may 2025 at 10am
At: Florist-café, 84A High Street, Strood ME2 4AR
Cost: £18 for both talk and lunch
Booking Essential: 01634 300948 (café) or theflowerandcoffeshop@gmail.com
The Cold War and what might have happened in Gravesend, Northfleet & Swanscombe (Illustrated talk with supper)
Reliance Restaurant, Queen Street, Gravesend
Speaker: Christoph Bull
Grim and humorous – the talk will explore local preparations for Armageddon.
On: Monday 19th May 2025
At: Reliance Restaurant, Queen Street, Gravesend
Begins: 6pm for ordering supper (award winning fish and chips) and talk to follow
Booking Essential: 01474 533593 or Jack 07768087036
Gravesend Guided History Tour
Gravesend Railway Station, DA11 0HP
After meeting at Gravesend Railway Station your tour guide will take visitors to St George’s Church, the burial place of the Native American Indians, Pocahontas.
From there the route will continue along the River Thames from Town Pier to New Tavern Fort.
Stops along the route include The Three Daws public house, St Andrews Gardens, Bawley Bay, St Andrews Arts Centre, Gravesend Tudor Block House, the Clarendon Royal Hotel, the Royal Terrace Pier and Milton Chantry, the oldest building in Gravesend and situated within the confines of New Tavern Fort.
Northfleet guided walk
Northfleet Railway Station
The amazing history of Northfleet is revealed-an antidote to those who think (wrongly) that there is nothing interesting about this town.
The walk should last about 1.5 hours.
Guide: Christoph Bull
On: Wednesday 14th May
Meet: 11am at Northfleet Railway Station
Cost: Free (donations welcome).
Part of Explore Kent. Booking is available 01474 337600
Myths & Legends of Gravesham and Dartford – Pt2 (Illustrated talk and lunch)
Gardeners Arms public house, Forge Lane, Higham
Speaker: Christoph Bull
Find out more largely unheard-of local folklore stories.
On: Monday 12th May 2025 at 11am
At: The Gardeners Arms public house, Forge Lane Higham
Cost: £18 for talk and lunch
Booking essential: 01474 823337 or sarahluchgardenersarms@gmail.com
Gravesend Guided History Tour
Gravesend Railway Station, DA11 0HP
After meeting at Gravesend Railway Station your tour guide will take visitors to St George’s Church, the burial place of the Native American Indians, Pocahontas.
From there the route will continue along the River Thames from Town Pier to New Tavern Fort.
Stops along the route include The Three Daws public house, St Andrews Gardens, Bawley Bay, St Andrews Arts Centre, Gravesend Tudor Block House, the Clarendon Royal Hotel, the Royal Terrace Pier and Milton Chantry, the oldest building in Gravesend and situated within the confines of New Tavern Fort.
Old Swanscombe (Illustrated talk & lunch)
Swan Cafe, 43 High St, Swanscombe
Speaker: Christoph Bull
Christoph will be talking about Swanscombe’ s fascinating history-much of it unknown - and how this story can never be smothered by Ebbsfleet.
Lots of great stories with a chance to eat and chat afterwards.
On: Tuesday 6th May 2025 at 11am
At: Swan Café, 43 High Street, Swanscombe
Cost: £16 for both lunch and illustrated talk
Booking and pre-payment essential: Miko 07308818188 or merkajneritan54@gmail.com - or come into the café (Closed Tuesdays - but WILL BE OPEN on the day of the talk)
Life in Greenhithe and on the Thames (Illustrated talk)
Church Centre, Swanscombe St, Swanscombe
Speaker: Tony Farnham
On: Friday 2nd May 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Church Centre, Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe
Cost: £4 for non-members of Swanscombe & Greenhithe Local History Group
No need to book, just turn up and pay on the door.
This is an open meeting of Swanscombe & Greenhithe Local History Group-open to all.
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Gravesend Guided History Tour
Gravesend Railway Station, DA11 0HP
After meeting at Gravesend Railway Station your tour guide will take visitors to St George’s Church, the burial place of the Native American Indians, Pocahontas.
From there the route will continue along the River Thames from Town Pier to New Tavern Fort.
Stops along the route include The Three Daws public house, St Andrews Gardens, Bawley Bay, St Andrews Arts Centre, Gravesend Tudor Block House, the Clarendon Royal Hotel, the Royal Terrace Pier and Milton Chantry, the oldest building in Gravesend and situated within the confines of New Tavern Fort.
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Gravesend Guided History Tour
Gravesend Railway Station, DA11 0HP
After meeting at Gravesend Railway Station your tour guide will take visitors to St George’s Church, the burial place of the Native American Indians, Pocahontas.
From there the route will continue along the River Thames from Town Pier to New Tavern Fort.
Stops along the route include The Three Daws public house, St Andrews Gardens, Bawley Bay, St Andrews Arts Centre, Gravesend Tudor Block House, the Clarendon Royal Hotel, the Royal Terrace Pier and Milton Chantry, the oldest building in Gravesend and situated within the confines of New Tavern Fort.
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Milton Chantry and New Tavern Fort
Milton Chantry, Fort Gardens, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BH
Milton Chantry has had many different uses and is one of a few surviving buildings of this type. It contains a number of well-preserved architectural features from the 14th to 19th centuries along with a variety of displays relating to the heritage of the Borough. Located close to the Thames, New Tavern Fort was designed to defend London against an enemy fleet. Experience life underground and follow in the steps of the Victorian artillery men.
FREE entry to Milton Chantry Heritage Centre. New Tavern Fort – £1
Guided historical walk around Gravesend & Milton (Guided tour with Romanian buffet lunch & drinks)
Ambient Romanian Restaurant, 34 Windmill Street, Gravesend
This hour or so long walk will take us around familiar and not so familiar streets, plenty of stories and then back for a buffet lunch, which takes you on another journey to Romania.
Speaker: Christoph Bull
Price: £25 includes tour, buffet lunch and soft drinks - alcoholic drinks available at extra cost.
Booking and prepayment by cash essential - please pay in the restaurant Contact: 07448348613
Gad's Hill Place Tours - Higham
Gad's Hill Place, Higham, ME3 7PA
Visit the former home of Charles Dickens, Gad's Hill Place - his 'Little Kentish Freehold'.
When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad’s Hill Place. Young Charles was impressed and bought the house in 1856. In this house he wrote his last four Novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He lived there until his death in 1870. Gad’s Hill is set in pleasant grounds. You can visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the gardens and appreciate Dickens’ love for his country home in the Garden of England.
Enjoy a tour with a Dickens Fellowship guide followed by tea and biscuits.
Gad's Hill Place Tours - Higham
Gad's Hill Place, Higham, ME3 7PA
Visit the former home of Charles Dickens, Gad's Hill Place - his 'Little Kentish Freehold'.
When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad’s Hill Place. Young Charles was impressed and bought the house in 1856. In this house he wrote his last four Novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He lived there until his death in 1870. Gad’s Hill is set in pleasant grounds. You can visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the gardens and appreciate Dickens’ love for his country home in the Garden of England.
Enjoy a tour with a Dickens Fellowship guide followed by tea and biscuits.
Guided Tour of St George’s Church, Gravesend
St George’s Church, Church Street, Gravesend DA11 0DJ
Guided tour of St George’s church (Guided tour to follow short service 15 minutes for Pocahontas and refreshments)
Discover the story of a building that all know, but few understand - loads of grizzly Gravesend stories included.
Guide: Christoph Bull
Price: £10 per person - minimum of 10 people needed for tour to go ahead.
Booking essential by contacting Rev Jim Fletcher (Rector of St George’s Church) on 01474 532505 or jim@stgeorgesgravesend.org
The Kitchen Garden
Meadow Rooms, The Street, Cobham DA12 3BZ
Cobham Gardeners Society invites you to a talk about The Kitchen Garden by Steve Edney.
Kitchen gardens or potagers as they are called in France conjure up images of wildly romantic spaces which are both beautiful yet functional. Steve's talk will cover a beginners guide to, good design, planting and variety choices plus handy tips to get the best from your fruit, veg and herbs.
Steve has been perfecting his art for over 28 years, accolades include appointment to the RHS Herbaceous Committee, the RHS plant trial forums, multiple RHS Gold medal winner, plus he has appeared on TV several times including Gardeners World!
Members - free, non members £3
Guided historical walk around Shorne (Guided walk with cream tea)
Meet: 1pm - No 3 Coffee Shop, 9a The Street, Shorne DA12 3EA
Repeated by popular demand, this hour long tour reveals some of Shorne's great stories.
Speaker: Christoph Bull
Price: £15 - includes both the historical guided tour and cream tea
Booking and prepayment essential at No 3 Coffee Shop, Shorne - 07732792290
Growing Up in Gravesend in the 60s
St Mary’s Church Hall, Wrotham Road, Gravesend, DA11 7LL
Gravesend Historical Society invites you to a very interesting talk.
Join Keith Whitnel for a talk about 'Growing up in Gravesend in the 60s'.
Visitors are welcome, voluntary donation £3.