Early origins

In 791 AD, the first historic recording of nearby New Romney, followed by an invasion in 892 AD by the Vikings who occupied the adjoining village of Appledore.^[2][3]

At an unknown date, Tenterden origins were as a mediaeval ‘den’, a clearing in the forest of Anderida (mainly oak, beech and chestnut trees) named by the Romans. It provided acorns and nuts for fattening pigs, prior to their autumn slaughter and salting.

Tenterden (Tenet-ware-den) is the nearest point in the Wealden forest to Thanet and had been appropriated by the Tenet-ware (the men of Thanet) as their 'den' or pig pasture in the early days of the Saxon settlement. The first known reference to the Tenet-ware is found in the Heronden Charter of 968.

By the end of the millennium, Tenterden consisted of a scattering collection of dens. It was not until the 12th century before the first official reference was made of the area which would become Tenterden.

11th Century

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought significant changes to Tenterden and the surrounding region. William the Conqueror initiated a process of Norman influence and control.

Bishop Odo of Bayeux, a  half-brother of William the Conqueror, played a significant role in the Norman Conquest, commanding 100 ships for the invasion fleet. He became 2nd Earl of Kent and is believed to have owned estates in the area of Tenterden.

The Domesday Book of 1086 does not mention Tenterden, however, it does reference Benenden and Appledore.

12th Century

By the mid-twelfth century, sheep-breeding was well established in the Tenterden area particularly in the rich pasture lands to the south of the town and on Romney Marsh. Tenterden and the surrounding district found a ready market on the Continent for their wool, facilitated by the good transport along the navigable Rother River.

St Mildred's Church, which is believed to have been constructed in the late 12th century, played an essential role in the religious and social life of Tenterden. The church would have served as a focal point for the community, hosting religious services, ceremonies, and community gatherings.

13th Century

By the thirteenth century it had become one of the seven hundreds of the Weald and was first mentioned in 1241.

In 1272 three shops illicitly encroached on the King's Highway. The jury decided that these erections were not a nuisance to the highway and were permitted to remain on the payment of a rent of twelve horseshoes. Another encroachment of another seven shops is recorded and they were duly directed to pay a levy.

14th Century

The first record of dwellings in Tenterden can be found in a charter which mentions that it, as 'Heronden', began to grow from the 14th century around the strong local wool and cloth industry. Tenterden's prosperity increased with the draining of the Romney Marsh and the introduction of sheep to the area led to a boom in the wool trade, and Tenterden became one of the wealthiest towns in Kent. Unlike other such centres in the Weald it had the advantage of access to the sea and benefited from its position on the River Rother, which made it a convenient port for shipping goods docked at nearby Smallhythe.

15th Century

The 15th century was a golden age for Tenterden. The town was wealthy, prosperous, and strategically important.

In 1449, King Henry VI's Charter decreed Tenterden part of the Confederation of Cinque Ports Confederation (as a “limb” of Rye), to construct local ships using timber from the Wealden forests. These ships and men were supplied to fight against French raiders. In return the town gained legal privileges and exemption from national taxation through a charter granted by Henry VI.

The Town and Parish of Tenterden became incorporated as a HUNDRED and contained within its boundaries, part of the parish of Ebony and Reading Street. This hundred was anciently accounted one of the Seven Hundreds, and was within the jurisdiction of the justices of the country, on account of the impoverishment of the port and town of Rye Sussex. Tenterden was separated from the county of Kent, and the bailiff and hundred should contribute to Rye its quota of ships and men to the Crown to protect against French raiders. In return, the town gained legal privileges and exemption from national taxation through a charter granted by Henry VI. The growing importance of the town was reflected in the creation of a new Charter in 1600 and the installation of a mayor, in place of a bailiff.

16th Century

The English Reformation a religious movement that led to the establishment of the Church of England would have had a significant impact on Tenterden.

17th Century

The Civil War was a political conflict that pitted the supporters of King Charles I against those of Parliament, with Kent and specifically the Battle of Maidstone being a major part of those struggles. It is believed this had an adverse impact on Tenterden.

18th Century

By the 18th century the ports had silted up due to land uplifts in relation to the sea, whilst failed plans for a canal reflected the decline of the town's national prominence.

By the 1830s, its population was about 2000, its cattle markets flourished, and for most of the nineteenth century it remained “a small market town and a singularly bright spot” (Cobbett 1823).

19th Century

The 19th century was a time of great change for Tenterden. The town's economy grew by the growth of the agricultural industry in the region. Tenterden became a major market town for agricultural produce, and it also developed a number of industries that supported the agricultural sector.

The town was the administrative centre for the Hundred of Tenterden, and it was also home to a number of important businesses and institutions.

20th Century

In 1903, Tenterden Town railway station was opened, but later closed in 1954, but half of it reopened in 1974 as the Kent and East Sussex Railway. The route starts at Tenterden Town Station and finishes at Bodiam station, near Bodiam Castle. The main line track is planned to be extended to Robertsbridge (near Hastings) in East Sussex.

During WWII in July 1940 to October 1940 while the Battle of Britain raged overhead, on the ground Tenterden was suffering the consequences. Numerous bombs were dropped by the Luftwaffe over Tenterden, primarily to escape the RAF and to enable their safe return to Germany. These bombs were a mixture of incendiary and high explosive bombs. It is understood in 1944, before the invasion of France, troops from Canada, US, Australia, plus the Welsh Fusiliers were stationed in Tenterden with all their weapons and munitions. Such was their importance that Field marshal Bernard Montgomery addressed these troops on Tenterden's Recreation Ground.

Origin

The Confederation of Cinque Ports have played an important part in defining the traditions of England's history and the town of Tenterden.^[4] The origin of the Confederation can be traced back to Saxon Times, when certain fishing ports in the south-east were given special privileges in return for ship service to the King. The Normans extended this practice to the ports of Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich, alongside two ancient towns, Winchelsea and Rye.

In 1041, Edward the Confessor had set out his requirement to the south coast Portsmen, which was to use 20 of their ships, each with a crew of 21, for 15 days of service annually. Under William the Conqueror, his Charter (written to them in old French), coined the term “Cinque Ports” (but pronounced 'sink' ports); stated his requirement was 57 ships for 15 days annually. The 1155 Charter from Henry III had the same obligations but expanded on their benefits. These ports worked together in providing a fleet of ships for the Crown and protecting the south coast of England. The ships were also used for a lucrative cross-channel trade.

A more specific Charter of 1229 numbered the ships to be separately provided by each of the Confederation's Ports and that of 1278 set out a magnificently designed Flag: the three fighting English Lionships. Rye was obligated for five ships in 1392 and provided these with help from Tenterden shipwrights. If the Crown used the ships and the crews for longer periods – then the costs and wages became at the Crown's expense instead. In addition to providing ships and crews for sea battles at home and abroad, Portsmen fought in the king's armies and there were other obligations. The last time a Cinque Ports fleet sailed into action was in 1596, in response to a threatened Spanish invasion.  

These Confederation ports continually guarded the southern coast which included defending English fishing rights, and monarchs had to be ferried back and forth across the Channel on an interesting variety of missions. Further costs were incurred for maintaining the trappings of the Confederation, which Tenterden was always ready to dispute its annual share of Rye's costs. There were ways to redress these costs; the town's officials made the most of their ‘expense accounts’ payable by Rye: typically ferry fares, fish meals, with ale and wine from the local inn. Claimants included one Thomas Caxton, brother to the renowned printer William Caxton – reputedly born in Tenterden.

Lord Warden

The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports remains the “Keeper of the Coast” and notable holders of the post have included the William Pitt the Younger, Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Lord Warden is appointed by the sovereign, and since 1267 has also been Constable of Dover Castle.

In 1728, Lord Warden Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset, made Walmer Castle built in 1540 his official residence (at one stage Walmer was a Cinque port limb of Sandwich). He modernised and extended the castle accommodation previously used by the humble captain of the castle.  The poor old captain was booted out.  The Duke also enclosed what had previously been the captain's garden, and developed it. Originally, the castle was one of Henry VIII's so-called ‘device forts’, a network of artillery strongholds built to protect England against possible French invasion.

Tenterden Incorporation into the Confederation (1449)

From 1300 – 1550 up to two hundred people lived at Smallhythe, the hamlet of Southern Tenterden was the thriving port with quays and a tidal dock surrounded by plentiful timber and iron supplies.^[5] It was one of the country's leading shipbuilding centre for much of the 15th and 16th centuries, constructing vessels for wars against the French. Repairs in the yard, and the breaking up of old ships were an important part of the work, as well as building small vessels for local merchants and fishing families. Another useful small port was situated at Reading Street. A ferry was needed to get across to Wittersham on the Isle of Oxney.

By the 14th century some grand ships built at Tenterden were helping the people of Rye to fulfil their duties for the Cinque Ports. Unfortunately, Rye suffered a series of catastrophic events: the Black Death, raids by marauding French forces, the changing course of the River Rother and the harbour no longer being navigable. From Rye's tragedies grew the continuing good fortunes of Tenterden from its wool trade.

In 1449, King Henry VI, pressed Tenterden to join the Confederation as a limb of Rye, thereby providing Rye with much needed revenue as well as access to the shipbuilding facilities at Smallhythe. In return for Tenterden's support of Rye, the King granted Tenterden a Royal Charter which effectively gave the town self-government. In return, the members together had to fulfil all the duties needed to maintain a fighting, merchant navy. Tenterden's official “Seal” showed a masted ship bearing the arms of the Cinque Ports and the Petlesdens.

Coronation Tradition

In 1066, Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror defeated King Harold on Senlac Hill, seven miles from Hastings. At the end of the bloody, all-day battle, Harold was killed with an arrow shot in the eye. William was determined to be seen as the legitimate King of England. He set his sights on being crowned in the new Abbey Church that Edward the Confessor had built beside his Palace at Westminster.

For almost a thousand years, Westminster Abbey, with the Shrine of St Edward, King and Confessor, at its heart, has remained the place of coronation for our monarchs. William's Charter (written then in old French), coined the term “Cinque Ports” as at that time there were only five recognised ports. In return, William's requirement was for the annual provision of 57 ships for 15 days.

Cinque Port Mayors were first invited as Barons to coronations by King Richard I (known as the Lionheart) Coronation on the 3 September 1189 as King of England. Richard's coronation ceremony was remarkable as it was the start of contemporary accounts being recorded. From then, the Cinque Port Barons, by tradition, carried the canopy over the monarch as he or she walked to and from the coronation. Afterwards, the Barons normally gave a share of the canopy to Christ Church at Canterbury. Another tradition was for the Barons to sit on the immediate right hand of the King or Queen at the banquet that followed the ceremony. That was the cause of much of the brawling among those who wanted to be regarded as “first at the banquet."

The last time the canopies were borne by the Cinque Port Barons, was at the coronation of George IV where they apparently asked the king for the state treasury to pay for the colourful robes they wore. That request was swiftly rejected.  

William IV, who reigned for only seven years, did not invite them nor did his successor Queen Victoria in 1837 who was not amused. Despite losing their privileges and not attending the coronations of William IV and Victoria, the barons fought to keep their right to attend and in 1901 this was granted.

The Cinque Ports sent fourteen representatives to the coronation of Edward VII but no longer carried the canopy. Barons, including Tenterden's Mayor have been invited to all subsequent coronations since 1902, with the last coronation being for King Charles III on the 6th May 2023.

Tenterden Cinque Port Barons

In 1902 the Tenterden Cinque Port Mayor was granted for the first time to attend the Coronation as Baron. This recognition went to Cllr Joseph Robert Dingle for King Edward VII's Coronation on the 9th August 1902. Since then, there have been four other Coronation Barons.^[6] These were:

• Coronation Baron Edgar Howard for King George V held on the 22nd June 2011
• Coronation Baron Joseph Macrae Dingle for King George VI held on the 12th May 1937
• Coronation Baron Stanley Jesse Day for Queen Elizabeth II held on the 2nd June 1953
• Coronation Baron John Seymour Crawford for King Charles III held on the 6th May 2023

In the 21st century the title Baron of the Cinque Ports is now reserved for Freemen elected by the Mayor, Jurats and Common Council of the Ports to attend a coronation and is solely honorary in nature.

Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping

The Tenterden Christmas Market is an annual event normally held over 3 days on the last weekend in November; Friday afternoon and evening, and all day Saturday and Sunday. It features Christmas lights, food, produce and craft stalls and entertainment.

May Fayre

The May Fayre is arranged by Tenterden Town Council and is held normally every year on the May Bank Holiday Monday on Tenterden Recreation Ground.

Tenterden Folk Festival

Tenterden Folk Festival is a four-day event held on the first weekend in October each year, and has been running for 29 years. A wide range of musicians take part in the event in a number of venues throughout the town, and there is a craft market in a large marquee on the recreation ground.

The Spirit of Tenterden Festival

An annual community festival in Tenterden supported by the Town Council and other organisations.

Tributes in the Park

Annual summer family event of tribute band music and refreshments held in St Michael's recreational ground Tenterden. Organised by St Michael's Community Group.

Homewood School Tenterden (School site)

Homewood School was developed from the original Mansion House built in 1766 and today it is the main administrative building with a suite of management offices.^[12]

After some years as a military base in World War II, Homewood opened as a local secondary school when the owner, Lady Drury, made it available to Kent County Council following the post-war Government's decision that all children should have access to a secondary education.

The original school hall has now been redeveloped into The Sinden Theatre,^[13] a resource for all the local community, with a theatre terrace added in 2012 and a full refurbishment completed in 2021.

Today, Homewood is a non-selective school of mixed 11–18 age group, with Academy status with 2000 students including 350 in the Sixth Form.

Kiln Field Reserve and Wildlife

The nature reserve of 4.5 acres is a peaceful place to visit, with dipping platform to pond, trees, wild grasses and flowers. Located at Abbott Way, Kiln Field TN30 7BZ is located to the south east of Tenterden, to the south of Appledore Road B2080. It is only accessible by road through the housing estate leading to Abbott Way.

Millennium Garden

Owned and maintained by Tenterden Town Council. The entrance is behind White Stuff, via an alleyway to the left of the shop as you look at it from the High Street.

Smallhythe Cricket Club pitch, Smallhythe Road

The ground provides one cricket square. A small club based at the Pickhill pitch on Smallhythe Road. Well-used during cricket season.

St Michael’s Recreation Ground

Owned and maintained by Tenterden Town Council. Recreation ground which provides informal recreation open space and includes a children's playground and a skate ramp.

Tenterden Cricket Club pitch, Smallhythe Road

The ground provides one cricket square. Has members of all ages and runs a number of junior and senior teams. The pitch is well-used during cricket season.

Tenterden Leisure Centre

Was opened in 1990 by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1990 and run by Ashford Borough Council. Freedom Leisure took over the operation of Tenterden Leisure Centre on 1 May 2023 from the previous operator, Serco.^[14]

It has a wide range of activities aimed for the whole family, including a swimming pool with slides and wave machine - overseen by qualified lifeguards. The centre also has a gym and sports hall with instructors and organised classes.

Tenterden Recreation Ground

Owned and maintained by Tenterden Town Council. Public space which provides a full-sized football pitch, two hard-surface tennis courts and a children's playground. The privately run Tenterden Bowls Club is located within an enclosed section of the ground and provides one green.

Public houses

Its large and/or old pubs are generally owned by Kentish breweries and are:

• The Woolpack, next to the Town Hall,
• The White Lion, the High Street
• The Vine, the High Street
• This Ancient Boro, East Cross, Tenterden,
• The Print House, West Cross, Tenterden
• The Crown, Ashford Road in St. Michaels
• The Fat Ox at the corner of Ashford Road and Ox Lane in St. Michaels.

Chamber of Commerce

The Tenterden and District Chamber of Commerce, a limited company (TDCC Ltd), promotes and supports businesses in Tenterden and the surrounding area. The Chamber is a thriving organisation which holds regular networking meetings for members. At Christmas the Chamber place small Christmas trees over the shop doorways and windows of many businesses on the High Street. In October it supports the annual Folk Festival. In 2013 the Chamber of Commerce launched the 'I Love Tenterden' card – a loyalty card scheme whereby member businesses offer incentives for card holders to use their services; its main aim, to keep trade local to Tenterden. TDCC Ltd is not an accredited Chamber of Commerce, it is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital.

Horticultural society

Its Horticultural Society organises lectures and shows throughout the year in a number of locations around the town.

Kent Army Cadet Force – Tenterden Detachment

A Detachment of the Army Cadet Force is based on Appledore Road in the Town and training takes place on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 1930 - 2130hrs. The Detachment provides a Mayor's Cadet to accompany the Mayor on Civic Duties and also provides a Standard Bearer for the Tenterden Royal British Legion Branch.

Lions Club of Tenterden

Tenterden Lions Club was formed in 1958; its members serve the community by giving time to local needs and raising money for local, national and international good causes. In spring time each year the club plants crocus bulbs along the greens, and every December the club arranges for Father Christmas to travel around Tenterden and some of the local villages providing enjoyment, as well as collecting money to support various good causes.

National Trust

The National Trust holds regular lectures on a diverse range of subjects at the Junior School on Recreation Ground Road.

Rotary Club of Tenterden

The Rotary Club is very active, bringing together local business people in aid of a number of charitable causes. The club runs a number of events during the year. It meets twice a month.

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion branch in Tenterden has had great success in the annual poppy appeal, and is responsible, along with Tenterden Town Council, for the very moving (and well-attended) service at the War Memorial each year on Remembrance Sunday.

Tenterden and District History Society

The Society has monthly talks during the Winter season, outings in the Summer, and its Library is held at Tenterden Museum. Information can be found on the My Tenterden website.

Tenterden and District Residents Association

The TDRA aims to represent the wishes of its members on a broad range of subjects, allowing the voice of local residents to be heard on a number of platforms that might otherwise be out of reach.

Tenterden Operatic and Dramatic Society

The local amateur dramatic society is TODS, which was founded (in its current form) in 1958, following the merger of a number of different companies. The society puts on three productions each year, either in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall or at the Sinden Theatre, and is often recognised in the Kent Drama Association Full-Length Play Festival.

Weald of Kent Lodge

The local chapter of the East Kent Freemasons is the Weald of Kent Lodge, which undertakes a great deal of charitable work.

Women's Institute

The Women's Institute has two branches based in the town: Tenterden Glebe, and St. Michaels.

Police

Kent Police opened Tenterden Police Station in Oaks Road (on the outskirts of the town centre) in 1956, before replacing it with a smaller Front Counter in a retail unit on the High Street at the beginning of the 21st century. This in turn was closed in 2012, with the town's police force based entirely at Ashford Police Station.

Fire and Rescue

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has an on call fire engine based in St. Michaels.

Medical care

The National Health Service with Kent County Council operate West View Integrated Care Centre (known locally as West View Hospital), providing adult social care and health care on the same site. The hospital which is near the town centre provides residential care for 30 dementia patients and a rehabilitation service for 30 adult patients who need help before they return home after illness or injury. The hospital also provides inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy. There is no Accident & Emergency department at the hospital. The nearest local Accident & Emergency department is at the William Harvey Hospital, in Willesborough near Ashford.

Ivy Court Surgery is a very busy NHS GP practice, offering a range of medical services and regular appointments. The Ivy Court Surgery building recently re-opened following a multimillion-pound new development providing a state of the art healthcare facility for Tenterden and the surrounding area. The old East Cross Clinic next door now houses the Coffee Shop at EC30, the Social Hub charity shop, a social prescribing centre, and a number of community wellbeing services with rooms to rent.