The History of Tenterden

Tenterden has a history dating back to Saxon times when it belonged to the Minister of Thanet. The tower of the church St Mildred stands over the village even though it may not seem so when standing in the heart of the village, but the tower was once used to hang a beacon in order to warn others of the approach of the Spanish Armada, as it could be seen for miles across the Weald.
In the 15^th century the sea met at Smallhythe and therefore made Tenterden a harbour town and thrived with the cinque port. In 1449 Tenterden became a corporate member of the cinque port thus becoming a ‘limb' to Rye. Tenterden also prospered in the 15^th century due to it becoming known as a wool town.

Sojourn's View

If you enter Tenterden at the western end you will be welcomed by a wide street lined with trees and grass making a picturesque scene. It is in this part of the village that you will find the quaint and typical antique shops, which are to be found throughout Wealden villages.
The heart of the village is the main high street, which is lined with half-timbered houses now being used as shops or pubs, and just off the high street is the church St Mildred. Walking from the high street to the church which only takes a few seconds is idyllic because of the little street and cottages surrounding the church.
One main attraction today is the station, which runs a steam train along a ten-mile stretch through to East Sussex reaching Bodium.

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