Page 12 - police world Edition 3 2013

Article
12 Police World Vol 58 No.3 2013
Earlier this year, Kent Branch
arranged a walking tour of
Faversham followed by a tour of
Shepherd Neame, Britain’s
oldest brewery.
Our party of twenty-five was divided
into two groups, led by two very
knowledgeable and entertaining local
guides, Tony and Jim.
Amongst the many historical gems that they
imparted to us, one that stood out concerned
the impressive Guildhall. Some of our party were
familiar with this building and remembered the
upstairs from their days of service as it houses
the Magistrates’ Court. The Court was noted for
the way the clerk introduced the start of the
session using olde English language. Sadly I
cannot find anyone to quote it verbatim but it
started with something like, “Stand ye up all ye
present...”
Among other buildings of interest were the two
surviving barns at Abbey Farm both dating from
the 15th century. Also surviving is the Abbey
Guest House, on the east side of the outer
gateway of Faversham Abbey, now known as
Arden’s House. This house, now a private
residence in Abbey Street, was the location of
the infamous murder of Thomas Arden 1551.
The guides informed the group of the grisly tale
of how Alice Arden (1516–1551) conspired to
have her husband, Thomas Arden, murdered so
she could carry on a long-term affair with a
tailor, Richard Moseby. The murder took place
on 14 February 1551. She was tried, convicted,
and then burnt at the stake.
Our guide at Shepherd Neame Brewery was
Julie, who was another excellent guide as she
mixed history with a touch of humour. Shepherd
Neame is Britain’s oldest brewer - and while
1698 is the Brewery's official founding date,
there is clear evidence that its heritage pre-
dates even this period. If you would like to learn
more about the history of this brewery visit:
www.shepherdneame.co.uk/
brewery/heritage-timeline
Our tour there ended with a delicious two-
course meal and, of course, a tasting!
During July, each year, fifty historic houses in
Faversham are open to the public each
Saturday. Everyone in our party is going back to
view them, showing how impactive our tour was
and how impressive was the history of this
wonderful, small market town. I recommend
that other branches pay the town a visit.
Mick Abbott, Kent branch
Faversham Facts
◙ Faversham was first settled in Roman times.
◙ It was probably the summer capital of the
Saxon Kings around the year 811
◙ It is the only town in the country to have the
three English lions on its crest.
◙ Famous for the production of gunpowder.
◙ In April, 1916, a huge explosion occurred at
the gunpowder plant, claiming 115 lives.
◙ The church was designed to withstand such
an explosion. Its ‘stencil-like’ shape would
allow the blast to go through it and not to
knock it down.
◙ In 1784, a brick tax was introduced causing
a number of small brick makers to close.
Faversham
one of
Abbey Street
The Shepherd Neame Brewery
The Guildhall
Riverside life