Our own history!

Bygone Kent has been entertaining and informing the people of Kent (and beyond!) for more than 30 years. The county is steeped in history and heritage, and there is always something new to investigate and explore.

Did you know, for example, that the people of Kent adopted the motto 'Invicta' (meaning undefeated) after the invasion of Britain by William the Conqueror, claiming that they had frightened the Normans away as they marched on to London?

Or that the medieval town of Faversham was the capital of England for a short time during King Stephen's reign (1096-1154)?

Or that the chalybeate spring was discovered in Tunbridge Wells in 1606?

And of course it played a major role during World War 2, not least during the evacuation of Dunkirk, as the famous little ships sailed relentlessly across the English Channel to Dover.

The magazine itself has had an interesting history as well, established in 1980 as a black and white publication, and going through several owners and editors until the Deeson Group, based in the heart of the cathedral city of Canterbury, took it over in 2008 and relaunched it in full colour.

But some things never change... it remains the much-loved A5 size that is its hallmark, it still has plenty of fascinating articles just waiting to be read, and absolutely retains a passion for history in the county. I feel very privileged to both live and work in Kent (having moved here from Bristol and London more than 20 years ago) and very definitely the best thing about editing Bygone Kent is the passion and loyalty of our readers. My postbag of letters is always a joy to open. So please don't hesitate to contact me and let me know some more about your little piece of Kent.

With best wishes

Rachel Deeson, Editor