Bethersden

Settlement in Kent Ashford

England

Bethersden

Bethersden is a picturesque village situated in the county of Kent, England. It is located approximately 12 miles south of Ashford and 10 miles east of Tenterden. With a population of around 1,400 residents, it is a small and tight-knit community.

The village is known for its charming and well-preserved traditional houses, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The local architecture is predominantly timber-framed, giving Bethersden a distinct historical ambiance. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rolling green fields and hedgerows adding to its scenic charm.

Bethersden is home to a few amenities, including a primary school, a village hall, and a local shop. The village also boasts two historic churches, St. Margaret's and St. Mary's, both of which are worth visiting for their architectural beauty and historical significance.

Agriculture has traditionally played a significant role in the local economy, with farming being a common occupation among the villagers. However, like many rural communities, Bethersden has seen a shift towards a more diverse economy with a range of employment opportunities available.

The village is well-connected to the surrounding areas by road, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors alike. Its rural location offers a peaceful and close-knit community atmosphere, making Bethersden an attractive place to live or visit for those seeking a slower pace of life and a taste of traditional English village charm.

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Bethersden Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.129173/0.755461 or Grid Reference TQ9240. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Potter's Farm

N Chadwick

Brissenden Green Lane

N Chadwick

Woodlands

N Chadwick

Brissenden Green Lane

N Chadwick

Twenty Acre Wood

N Chadwick

Twenty Acre Wood

N Chadwick

Footpath off Brissenden Green Lane

N Chadwick

Bethersden Village Sign

This sign was erected for the Millennium and is located in School Road near the junction with the A28 Ashford Road. School Road can be seen to the right of the photo whilst behind the sign, Whiston Avenue branches off School Road.

David Hillas

Close Up of the Bethersden Village Sign

This photo shows the eight symbols round the sign with St Margaret's Parish Church and a few houses in its centre.

David Hillas

Notice on Bethersden Village Sign (1)

This photo shows one of four notices on the Bethersden Village Sign. It says the following: BETHERSDEN People have lived here for more than 1000 years. St Margaret's Church is mentioned in the 12th C Domesday Monachorum. Baptist and Methodist Chapels are more modern. Bethersden "marble" - formed from fossilised shells of tiny freshwater snails is no longer quarried but traditional crafts (woodworking, iron forging etc) continue, as do horticulture and pig, sheep and cereal farming. Riding, cricket, football, tennis and cycle-racing are features of village life, as is a spirit of community care.

David Hillas

Notice on Bethersden Village Sign (2)

This photo shows one of the four notices on the Bethersden village sign in School Road near the A28 Ashford Road. It has the following wording: BETHERSDEN MILLENNIUM SIGN The material in this sign - iron, oak and a limestone "marble" - and the symbols all relate to activities for which Bethersden is famous. The plaque is a montage of features in the village centre. The sign was designed by residents and built by local craftsmen with a grant from Ashford Borough Council. Beneath the base, a Time Capsule is buried - to be opened no sooner than 2100 AD.

David Hillas

Notice on Bethersden Village Sign (3)

This photo shows one of the four notices on the Bethersden village sign in School Road near the A28 Ashford Road. It says the following: THE SIGN SYMBOLS OAST HOUSES - hop farming area until 1970s ROCKING HORSE - Stevenson Brothers export them all over the world ANVIL - forges in the parish still operational BOOK - Richard Lovelace, 17th C Cavalier Poet, owned land in Bethersden. He wrote: "Stone walls do not a prison make Nor i'ron bars a cage" PLANE - village's wood craftmanship renowned. SHEARS - sheep farming commercially important. PIG - 1086 village named "Beadericesdenne". "denne" meant woodland where swine are pastured

David Hillas

Notice on Bethersden Village Sign (4)

This notice is one of four on the Betherden Village Sign and lists the acknowledgements to those who were responsible for the sign being erected for the Millennium. Included on that list is the Bethersden "Marble" donated by 44 residents.

David Hillas

The Bull Inn, Bethersden

Situated on the A28 road at Bull Hill, this inn dates from 1645. Later, its stables were used as a prison and the local Home Guard occupied the Inn for training during World War 2. It now provides food and drink daily, and has a garden and car parking space. For SatNav purposes, its postcode is TN26 3LB.

David Hillas