insideKENT Magazine Issue 45 - December 2015 | Page 133

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
S P O T L I G H T

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tenterden
Deep in the heart of the famous Kentish Weald lies Tenterden, one of the ancient
Cinque Port towns, and nicknamed ‘the jewel of the Weald’ due to its picturesque
high street, and its range of fascinating places to visit including historic houses
and a well-regarded steam railway. However, despite its look of the past,
Tenterden is absolutely a 21st-century town, with modern hotels, restaurants,
shops, and attractions gracing its fair streets. BY LISAMARIE LAMB

history in brief
Tenterden wasn’t always Tenterden. Once upon
a time (in around the 14th century, in fact), it was
called Heronden, and it was famous for its wool
industry. Not only that, but it was on the coast,
or close enough to count. Romney Marsh as we
know it today didn’t exist, and the area was
actually all under water. Therefore, small ships
were able to dock in Smallhythe, just outside of
the town. This was also a thriving ship building
area, and many of the ships that sailed out to
sea from Kent were made using Wealden timber.
In 1449 Tenterden became part of the Cinque
Ports, mainly due to its location and its shipbuilding prowess.

Once the marshland waters began to recede,
the town became known as Tenterden, which
comes from the Old English ‘Tenet Waraden’.
Roughly translated, this describes a clearing in
the forest belonging to Thanet.

things to do
The Kent and East Sussex Railway
Described as the finest example of a rural light
railway in the entire country, the Kent and East
Sussex Railway’s tracks run from Tenterden,
through ten and a half miles of beautiful
countryside, to Bodiam. In fact, you can step off
the train and visit the castle at Bodiam since the
station is so close. The KESR is open to visitors

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who wish to enjoy a true slice of what train travel
used to be like, but it also puts of plenty of events
throughout the year including meeting Father
Christmas on board a train, a day out with Thomas
the Tank Engine, and candlelit suppers.
Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe Place was Ellen Terry’s residence.
Ellen Terry was a renowned Victorian actress,
and she bought the house in 1899. The house
itself was built in the 16th century, and is now a
museum dedicated to Ellen Terry, her personal
life, and her theatrical triumphs. Here you can
wander through the house, stroll around the
gorgeous gardens, and even see the Barn Theatre
that Ms Terry had kitted out so that she could
perform. Shows are still put on here today, and