insideKENT Magazine Issue 57 - December 2016 | Page 141

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT
ON

Faversham

Attractive and rural, but with great links into Canterbury, London and across the
UK, Faversham is the kind of place where many choose to settle. Its history dates
back to prehistoric times, and yet it has all the modern day amenities that one
would want in a pretty Kentish town. In essence, Faversham has it all. BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Shepherd Neame

St Mary of Charity

Faversham has so much, in fact, that a brand
new website has been created to let people know
the best places to shop, eat, stay, and visit in
Faversham throughout the year. Have a look at
www.visitfaversham.org.

Brogdale Farm

began in 1573 and continued well into the 20th
century when the factories closed due to the
threat of World War II.

THINGS TO DO
HISTORY IN BRIEF
Faversham – which means ‘the metal workers’
village’ – was a particular favourite with the
Romans; being so close to Canterbury it was the
perfect stopping point in their journey to the city.
The area soon grew, and must have been a busy
place; the remains of a 2,000-year-old Roman
amphitheatre that would have been able to seat
12,000 people have been discovered. And since
Roman times, the area has been popular with
settlers. It was even a place that royalty wanted
to visit, including King Coenwulf of Mercia – it
was known as Fefresham when he arrived there,
which means ‘the king’s little town’. Faversham
was notable for its explosives industry, which

Creek Creative
Creek Creative is a community interest company
– and that means that anything that is done here
is for the public, to enhance local life. Creek
Creative’s mission is to support artists by offering
a friendly, affordable environment for them to
both showcase and create their work. Rooms
can be hired, including exhibition spaces, and
the public is welcome to come and visit and enjoy
the art that is made and shown here. There is
also a great café on site, so you can enjoy some
delicious refreshments too.
Shepherd Neame
Faversham is proud to say that Britain’s oldest
brewery, Shepherd Neame, is based in the town.

141

Shepherd Neame offers fascinating and insightful
tours through their brewery for the public, giving
everyone the chance to see how the famous
beer is made, and what goes into creating such
a well-known brand. There are also special tasting
evenings that include meals and entertainment
throughout the year, and of course a brewery
shop where you can pick up some of the
Shepherd Neame brew itself.
Brogdale Farm
Brogdale Farm has a huge collection of seasonal
fruit that can be enjoyed – at this time of year
you can find apples and nuts in particular, although
there is always something interesting to look for
at Brogdale. As well as the fruit itself, there are
daily orchard tours that run seven days a week,
three times a day. An expert will take you around
the farm, and will be able to answer any questions
you might have. Plus you can try some of the
4,000 varieties of fruit on offer. If you prefer to
explore yourself, you can even try a self-guided
tour. Festivals and events are a major part of life