police world Edition 3 2013

Article

Faversham one of

Earlier this year, Kent Branch arranged a walking tour of Faversham followed by a tour of Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewery. O ur 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

Riverside life

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.

The Guildhall

Abbey Street

The Shepherd Neame Brewery

12 Police World Vol 58 No.3 2013