The village of Allington is to the West of and on the outskirts of Maidstone, situated on either side of the M20. Before the river locks were built here; the river was fordable, meaning it was a good point for settlement to occur. Subseqently evidence of human habitation dates back as far as the Bronze Age.
Places of interest include:
Pill-box: Overlooking the lock at Allington next to the present day lock-keepers cottage, half buried in the undergrowth, is a WWII pill-box. Concrete guard posts or bunkers, with holes for firearms, were known in the military as Pill Boxes due to their resemblence of medicinal storage boxes.
Allington Lock: In 1792 the original Allington Lock was installed here, seperating the tidal and freshwater sections. The lock was enlarged in 1881 and rebuilt entirely in 1939 (see link to the right for more information and photographs).
Beginning in July 2009, the Allington Sluice is being refurbished. Main works include a new gate, lifting gear and gantry, repairs to the concrete structure and the installation of a fish pass and disabled access ramps. The project is due to be completed in March 2011 and up to date information on the works can be gained via the Allington Lock website: www.allingtonlock.co.uk
Allington Castle: Allingtons' most famous point of interest, now a private residence, is Allington Castle.
The first Allington castle, with wooden fortifications and a mote, was originally built in c.11th. This was re-built in stone in 1281 by Stephen of Penchester. In the 15th century the castle was restored as a mansion and the Wyatt family became its owners, with the poet Thomas Wyatt being born in Allington Castle in 1503. After Thomas Wyatt rebelled against the proposed marrage of Queen Mary to Phillip II of Spain, the castle was confiscated from the Wyatt family by the crown.
Although never besiged it was badly damaged by fire in c.1600 and was restord in the 20th century but explorer and art expert the Baron Conway of Allington. The castle is now a convent owned by the Order of Carmelite.
Malta Inn: The Malta Inn is one of four public houses, situated by the river Medway which were built in the c.18th, and all named after British Naval bases. Out of the four of this type, the Malta Inn is the only one which is still a public house