Hamstreet
Hamstreet | ||
---|---|---|
Shire county | ||
Region | ||
Country | England | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom | |
Post town | Ashford | |
Postcode district | TN26 | |
Dialling code | 01233 | |
Police | Kent | |
Fire | Kent | |
Ambulance | South East Coast | |
UK Parliament | ||
Hamstreet is a village in Kent, in South East England.
The village is located 6 miles (10 km) south of
The parish church, dedicated to the Good Shepherd [2], is now a shared
History
Parts of the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, Orlestone date back to the 11th century. Until the coming of the railway in 1851, Hamstreet was just a hamlet known as 'Ham' based around the village centre which contains many buildings in the traditional Kentish weatherboard style. The village expanded rapidly during the 20th century and had its moment of fame in 1991, when maps of Hamstreet at various stages in history were used on a series of
Although from the 1970s onwards there has been a loss of some traditional village outlets, there are still a number of shops and places to eat and drink in the village, as well as a school, doctor's surgery, dental clinic and sports facilities. The village is twinned with the village of Thérouanne in northern France.
Countryside
Two large areas of public woodland surround the village, namely Ham Street Woods and Orlestone Forest, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Both are remnants of the ancient forest that once covered the whole of the Weald of Kent. The Royal Military Canal, the UK's third longest defensive structure, passes by ½ mile to the south. Three long distance footpaths also run through the parish:
- The Saxon Shore Way
- Greensand Way (which begins at the main crossroads and runs for 110 miles (177 km) to Haslemere, Surrey)
- The Royal Military Canal Path
The area is also popular with cyclists, as Romney Marsh to the south is completely flat.
Transport
Ham Street railway station opened in 1851.[2] It was designed by William Trees and is in an Italianate style built in red brick.[2]
References
- ^ Nomis data census figures 2021 for the two parishes that Hamstreet falls within
- ^ a b Historic England. "Hamstreet and Orlestone Railway Station (1391381)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
External links
- Orlestone Parish Website, which covers Hamstreet.
- Warehorne Parish Website, which covers Warehorne.
- Hamstreet, Kent - Smugglers, stamps and the Saxon Shore is a private site which provides further historical info and related links.
Media related to Hamstreet at Wikimedia Commons