The Wheel of the Year: A Dode Talk
The Lost Village of Dode, DA13 0XF
In this talk, carefully crafted and constructed for this special place at a special time, Dodes Keeper and storyteller, Doug explains the Celtic concept of ‘The Wheel of the Year’.
Eight dates, eight turning points in the seasons, which meant so very much to our distant ancestors.
Times upon which their futures, their very lives depended, but dates that were subsequently and purposefully ‘highjacked’ by an emerging Christian religion and more recently reimagined by neo-Pagans as feast days, celebrations and holidays with little thought to their original meaning and importance.
This thought provoking talk explores each of the eight ‘Sabbats’, their original meanings, and their relevance (or lack of it) in todays busy, secular world.
A little talk, story if you prefer, to spark the imagination!
To avoid people booking tickets and not attending, we have implemented a small charge of £5.00 plus booking fee with all proceeds being donated to our chosen charity for the year which is St Benedicts Church, Paddlesworth.
Please email becky@dodevillage.com if you have any queries.
Plants to Encourage Wildlife
Chalk Parish Hall, DA12 2ND
Join George Lockwood for an interesting talk about 'Plants to Encourage Wildlife'.
All welcome to enjoy a talk organised by Chalk Village Gardeners Club.
Members - free
Visitors - £3
Annual membership £17. For more information - www.chalkvillagegardenersclub.co.uk
Gad's Hill Place Tour - August Tour
Gad's Hill Place, ME3 7PA
Gad's Hill Place, former home of Charles Dickens, Higham, Kent.
When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On the Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad's Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed. He bought the house in 1856 and lived there until his death in 1870. Gad's Hill is a Grade 1 listed 18th Century house with alterations made by Dickens to accommodate his family's needs. Whilst at Gad's Hill Dickens wrote his last four novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He died at Gad's whilst working on his final book, The Mystery of Edward Drood.
During your tour you will have the opportunity to visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the garden and enjoy tea and biscuits in the conservatory.
Gad's Hill Place Tour - August Tour
Gad's Hill Place, ME3 7PA
Gad's Hill Place, former home of Charles Dickens, Higham, Kent.
When he was a boy Charles Dickens and his father took a walk through Kent. On the Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad's Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed. He bought the house in 1856 and lived there until his death in 1870. Gad's Hill is a Grade 1 listed 18th Century house with alterations made by Dickens to accommodate his family's needs. Whilst at Gad's Hill Dickens wrote his last four novels, including Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. He died at Gad's whilst working on his final book, The Mystery of Edward Drood.
During your tour you will have the opportunity to visit the ground floor of the house, stroll in the garden and enjoy tea and biscuits in the conservatory.
Vine and Meadow Walk - Silverhand Estate
Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE
Get to know the picturesque location of Luddesdown and its meadows and vineyards.
A guide will walk you around the estate, giving you a brief history of the area, the grape varieties we planted and how we grow and process them. You will also get to enjoy the surrounding meadows and learn about the flowers and animals that call these vineyards their home. You will learn their roles on the vineyard, as well as the conservation work we are undertaking around the site.
We will end the tour at the Silverhand Cellar Door where you can enjoy a guided tasting of three wines produced by the Estate.
This is an outdoor walking event with moderate hill climbs that will take place come rain or shine. We advise wearing appropriate footwear and clothing to suit the weather.
This event will run between 1130am - 2pm on Saturday 30th August and Sunday 31st August.
Vine and Meadow Walk - Silverhand Estate
Silverhand Estate, DA13 0XE
Get to know the picturesque location of Luddesdown and its meadows and vineyards.
A guide will walk you around the estate, giving you a brief history of the area, the grape varieties we planted and how we grow and process them. You will also get to enjoy the surrounding meadows and learn about the flowers and animals that call these vineyards their home. You will learn their roles on the vineyard, as well as the conservation work we are undertaking around the site.
We will end the tour at the Silverhand Cellar Door where you can enjoy a guided tasting of three wines produced by the Estate.
This is an outdoor walking event with moderate hill climbs that will take place come rain or shine. We advise wearing appropriate footwear and clothing to suit the weather.
This event will run between 1130am - 2pm on Saturday 30th August and Sunday 31st August.
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.
Chalk Parish - Marshes, Midges & Medicine (Illustrated Talk with Lunch)
The Gardeners Arms Public House, ME3 7AS
Join local historian Christoph Bull for an illustrated talk with lunch.
Meet :11am at The Gardeners Arms, 2 Forge Lane, Higham ME3 7AS
Cost: £18 for both talk and lunch
Booking Essential: sarahluchgardenersarms@gmail.com or 01474 823337
You will enjoy discovering the largely unknown history of Chalk Parish-come and be amazed and amused.
Cobham Hall - Evening Summer Stroll
Cobham Hall, DA12 3BL
All welcome to enjoy an evening summer stroll in the magnificent grounds of Cobham Hall.
Enjoy an evening summer stroll in the grounds of Cobham Hall.
Booking in advance is not required - pay on arrival.
£8 per person
enquiries@cobhamhall.com or Tel: 01474 823371
Gravesend's Victorian Dream - How Gravesend Suddenly Changed
Corner of The Grove, DA12 2RG
Join local historian Christoph Bull for a guided walk.
Meet: 11.30am on corner of The Grove, Gravesend-opposite Clock Tower
Cost: Free-but a donation would be welcomed.
No booking required, just turn up and see how Gravesend changed character from a tourist attraction to an industrial town. Opportunity to visit the wonderfully restored Zoar Chapel (now The Hope Church) in Saddington Street and discover the first Sikh Gurdwara (Temple). The walk lasts about 1.25 hours.
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
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.
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.