West Malling is a fascinating blend of styles, from modern, Georgian, Tudor, medieval and even back to Norman times.
St Leonard's tower was built around 1080 by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester and is a fine early example of a Norman tower keep. It is administered by English Heritage.
Prior House, King Street. A Medieval Hall House, thought once to be a leper hospital
Commemorative plaque at the Town Malling cricket pitch, Norman road, once the county ground. |
The mansion opposite Manor country park was used during the war by airmen based at West Malling airfield. Many of their names can be found marked in soot in the ceiling of what is now the cellar. It is currently being redeveloped as 25 houses and apartments by Beechcroft.
Malling Abbey in Swan Street, was founded c1090 by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester.
This Benedictine Abbey lies next to the former Cistercian Ewell Monastery in Water Lane, which closed in April 2004.
A fascinating postcard sent sometime between 1901-1910 shows the Cascade in earlier times. (Click to enlarge) |
For those interested to know more about our local history, contact the Malling Society.
Also try Bygone Kent, a monthly magazine founded in 1979. Besides an index to back issues their web site has the largest listing of Kent local and family history books on the web and a very useful links page to Kent village sites and many others:
Take me home!
