Heritage Open Days - St Andrews Art Centre
St Andrews Art Centre, DA12 2BD
As part of Heritage Open Days come along and enjoy historic architecture, creative exhibitions and refreshments.
Take a peek inside St Andrew's Arts Centre and learn about it's former life as a Waterside Mission Church whilst viewing the current art exhibition. This architectural gem dates back to 1871 and was built as a waterside mission church for those living or working on the river. Toda this beautiful church offers a range of cultural exhibitions and workshops championing local artists and creatives, as well as tea, coffee and of course beer!
Venue and exhibition is free.
Heritage Open Days - Two Sisters Churches Reunited
Holly Hill Car Park, DA13 0UB
This walk retraces the journey made by William, priest of Dode, to St. Benedict’s church in Paddlesworth when Dode church ceased to be used as a parish church in 1367 after the Black Death wiped out the entire village.
This circular walk conveniently starts at 12:30pm from Holly Hill car park (DA130UB), where our guide will meet you. From here it's a short walk to Dode church where William’s Walk to St. Benedict’s church in Paddlesworth commences. The architectural style of Dode and Paddlesworth churches is characterized by their simple, Norman-era design, featuring uncoursed flint with ashlar dressings and round-arched windows. Dode Church, specifically, is known for its two-cell structure, small single-light windows, and a restored east-end window. Both churches, once thriving settlements, were largely abandoned after the Black Death in the 14th century. The walk down takes about an hour and leads through beautiful, ancient woodland and farming fields with magnificent views of the Kent countryside. At. St. Benedict's you are welcome to stay for a tour around the building on the architecture, between 3pm and 4pm.
Please note that steep slopes and some challenging terrain put some physical demands on this hike. Wearing suitable shoes is highly recommended! The walk back from St. Benedict's to the car park will be unaccompanied.
Alternatively, you can visit both churches by car or bike. Dode Church will be open to visitors between 12 and 3pm. Please note that parking facilities at Dode are very limited and we'd therefore recommend parking at Holly Hill whenever possible. There is plenty of parking at St. Benedict's.
Pre booking required - jacobinevanlaar@gmail.com
The Native American Connection: an untold story
St George's Church, DA11 0DJ
The story of the Native American presence in England, with stories, songs, and dialogue. Presented by Native American singer, teacher and facilitator, Rafael Montero, with a ceremony of remembrance by the statue of Pocohontas in the church grounds.
The very first English colonies were established where Native Americans lived, and from that time some found their way to England at different times, often by being brought here against their will. The story of the Native American presence in England is not well known, but Gravesham has a particular connection through the fact that one of the first Native American immigrants to England, Princess Pocahontas, died here.
Rafael Montero is an Indigenous American singer, teacher, facilitator and activist living in England, who has researched the story of different Native Americans who have come to England, right up to the present day. This will be an interactive presentation, with stories, songs, and dialogue. It will end with a short walk to St George’s churchyard where there is a statue of Princess Pocahontas, and Rafael will lead a short remembrance ceremony according to Native American traditions.
The event will be family-friendly, and suitable for all ages, and will last 90 minutes, including the walk and ceremony.
Pre-booking not required.
Owletts - Heritage Open Days
Owletts, DA12 3AP
Open especially for Heritage Open Days, this Charles II house is an extraordinary example of a Kent country home and family home of the renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker.
Explore the rooms and grounds of Owletts, an impressive 17th-century manor house and a fine example of Kent vernacular architecture. The influence of celebrated architect Sir Herbert Baker, born here in 1862, is evident throughout the house.
As well as the spectacular architecture and interiors, you can explore the gardens. The lawns are highlighted by some signature trees, such as the Cedar of Lebanon that Sir Herbert planted on Christmas Day, the winter before he died. His son, Henry, planted a walnut tree in the 1990s.
There is a grass tennis court, and if you explore beyond into the Filbert Platt you'll find apple and cobnut trees, a willow dome planted in 2013, a wishing tree for hanging ribbons on, and a swing large enough for adults to enjoy.
Cobham Wood and Mausoleum - Heritage Open Days
Cobham Woods and Mausoleum, DA12 3AP
Open especially for Heritage Open Days this beautifully restored 18th-century mausoleum, set in a peaceful wood pasture, is designed by architect James Wyatt.
Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cobham Wood is one of the few ancient wood pastures remaining in the UK. Comprising of open grassland and mature trees, this Special Site of Scientific Interest is grazed by Highland Cattle.
Standing at the highest point of the site is the restored Mausoleum, featured in the BBC's Restoration programme in 2003.
Architecture + Photography = Art
The Masonic Hall, 25 Wrotham Road, Gravesend DA11 0PA
Lecturer: Brian Slater
According to one leading architect, "the modern architectural drawing is interesting, the photograph is magnificent, the building is an unfortunate but necessary stage between the two". Architecture + Photography = Art introduces photographers who crystallised the architects' vision in images that are both works of art in their own right and shape our opinion of the buildings they depict. These photographers include Dell and Wainwright from Britain, Julius Shulman in the United States and Lucien Herve in France. The lecture also examines photographers who recorded rural churches, barns and cottages to create a lyrical vision of Britain.
The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art
The Masonic Hall, 25 Wrotham Road, Gravesend DA11 0PA
Lecturer: Paula Nuttall
This lecture tells the Christmas story through a selection of well-loved paintings and illuminated manuscripts by Italian and Flemish artists, including Botecelli, Fra Angelico and Jan Van Eyck, together with many lesser well-known images. From the Annunciation to the Nativity, the Journey of the Kings and the Flight into Egypt, it explores the rich symbolism of Christmas imagery, highlights the ways in which spiritual ideas and devotional practice shaped the depiction of the narrative and introduces some less familiar aspects of the story, such as the midwives and Joseph's stockings.
Gad's Hill Place 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.
Tours: 1pm-2pm & 2:30pm-3:30pm
Gravesend Gateway to The Thames - Riverside Walk
Gordon Gardens, DA12 2BT
Join local historian Christoph Bull for a riverside walk.
Learn about the Princess Alice disaster, a tragedy linked to Gravesend, among other tales about our maritime past!
Please meet at the General Gordon Statue in Gordon Gardens and the walk ends at The Three Daws Riverside Inn.
Heritage Open Days - Higham Congregational Church
Higham Congregational Church, ME3 7JE
For Heritage Open Days the main display will be at the Congregational Church plus there will a talk.
A small display will be at St Mary’s Church.
On Saturday 13th September a display will feature images of Higham and Andrew Rootes will be giving a talk about the Architecture found in the village. A small display of images from Lower Higham will be featured at St Mary’s Church and both churches will be part of the Kent Ride and Stride fund raiser.
Both displays will be open between 11 am and 4pm. The talk by Andrew Rootes will take place at 2.30pm.
Pre booking not required.
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.
Infinity and Impossible Worlds: The Art of M.C. Escher
The Masonic Hall, 25 Wrotham Road, Gravesend DA11 0PA
Lecturer: Rupert Dickens
The Dutch graphic artist M C Escher achieved cult statue in the 1960's, featuring on album covers, book jackets and posters. Since then the popularity of his space-distorting geometrical constructions has soared, with exhibitions all over the world attracting hundreds of thousands of people. This lecture will explore the diverse and surprising source of his inspiration. Be prepared for a journey which takes in Leonardo da Vinci drawings, Piranesi's dark fantasies, the Islamic art of Granada and the discoveries of modern mathematics.
Gravesend Shipbuilding in the Days of Sail
St Mary's Church Hall, DA11 7LL
Retired shipwright, David Patient, author of Tilt Boats & Hatch Boats of Gravesend & The London River 1555 - 1865 will tell the story of maritime Gravesend in the days of sail!
Members - free. Visitors welcome - £5.
Car Parking available to members at St George’s School, Meadow Road, DA11 7LS using PIN previously notified. Visitors: please park on Wrotham Road or nearby.
For further information, please ring Hon. Secretary: Sandra Soder, Telephone 01474363998
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.
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.
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
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.
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.