The old adage is ‘that a picture is worth a 1000 words’ and this 160 page book contains a myriad of delightful and educational pictures. Moreover, I found the narrative account that accompanies the pictures informative and readable.
The book is divided into 12 chapters, looking at the village, the manor, Meres Court, East Hall, schools, churches, residents, and industries of the area. The account of the old church I found absorbing. The author says: “The old church was in need of repair and considered to be unsafe. There were also fumes from the noxious industry close by the church, ie, gasworks retorts and brick kilns made it difficult for the congregation to breathe, so the rector, Revd JS Hoare, started a fund to build a new church, donating £500 himself. The old church was dismantled in 1873 and a new church built further up Church Road next to the school’.
Anybody with ancestors in Murston will be very thankful that Bryan Clark has located images both of the outside as well the inside of the old church because all that remains of it is part of the central chancel, which was initially used as a mortuary chapel. However, he then catalogues the various vicissitudes that the chapel suffered; that it still stands is perhaps a tribute to the late Michael Nightingale and other trustees both then and now.
In the chapter on East Hall, the author provides a picture of the 1488 brass of John Eveas, knight, and his wife, Mildred, and three sons. The former wears armour, with a long sword attached to the bawdric in front of the body. The shield bears three lions rampant.
With the author’s extensive knowledge of both the brick making and cement industries, and a lifetime in the community, these are very commendable chapters. A very worthwhile volume not only for those interested in the parish but also in Kent local history.