Aylesford
Aylesford:
4 miles NW of Maidstone is the village of Aylesford. The parish of Aylesford covers around 7 square miles towards Barming and has expanded rapidly to hold around 5000 residents whilst still retaining its quaint charm.
Settlement dates back to Neolithic times with the nearby Kits Coty or Kits Coty House, the remains of a Neolithic Long Barrow burial chamber and one of the Medway Megoliths or Medway Tombs, being evidence of this.
Evidence of the Bronze Age has been found in the area too with swords and villa remains having been discovered. It has also been suggested that the village was the base for the Battle of the Medway.
In AD43 Emperor Claudius sent an army to attack Britain. They landed in Thanet before making their way up ancient trackways (which may later have become the Pilgrims way). They met the defending Britons in what is believed to be Aylesford. The British tribes under the command of Caractacus assembled on the opposite bank believing that their enemy would not be able to get across the river without a bridge, but one Roman legion swam the river and attacked. After three days of fighting the Celts retreated back to the Thames. The exact site of the Battle of Medway is unknown but a commemorative stone resides in Burham.
The Friars:
The ancient religious house of Aylesford Priory, dating back to c.1300, was founded by the first arriving Carmelites and has been more commonly known as The Friars. Today, as well as being a house of prayer, the Friars is multi-functional, working as a retreat, a guesthouse and providing a range of opportunities, events and activities. For more information and an overview of the history of The Friars see the official website: www.thefriars.org.uk
Aylesford Bridge:
Thought to be one of the oldest bridges along the Medway (except for restoration work) and originally the second crossing point after Rochester bridge, the beautiful bridge in Aylesford dates back to c.14th.
Due to an increase in traffic in recent years, the bridge is now pedestrianised, with a more modern structure for the traffic close by.
As can be seen in our River Medway Photo Competition www.rivermedwayphoto.org the bridge is very picturesque, and lends itself to many a photo opportunity.
Little Gem:
Situated along the High Street, Aylesford is also home to the smallest pub in Kent, the Little Gem, which dates back to c.1100.