Bishopsbourne

Settlement in Kent Canterbury

England

Bishopsbourne

The Black Robin Grade II listed. — The Black Robin Credit: N Chadwick

Bishopsbourne is a small village located in the county of Kent, England. Situated about five miles south-east of Canterbury, the village is nestled in the picturesque countryside of the Elham Valley. It is part of the civil parish of Bishopsbourne and Kingston, which also includes the neighboring village of Kingston.

The history of Bishopsbourne can be traced back to the Roman era, with evidence of Roman pottery and coins discovered in the area. The village takes its name from the nearby watercourse, the Nailbourn River, which derives from the Old English words "nægl" meaning nail, and "burna" meaning brook. Interestingly, the river was known for its iron-rich waters that turned objects a reddish-brown color, resembling the color of rusted nails.

The village is known for its charming, traditional architecture, with many historic buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. St. Mary's Church, a Grade I listed building, is a prominent feature in the village and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

Surrounded by rolling hills and lush green fields, Bishopsbourne offers a tranquil and idyllic setting. The village is home to a close-knit community and has a primary school, a village hall, and a local pub. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding.

Overall, Bishopsbourne is a quintessential English village that boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. It offers a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently located near the bustling city of Canterbury.

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Bishopsbourne Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.230618/1.133187 or Grid Reference TR1852. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Black Robin

Grade II listed.

N Chadwick

Kingston sign

Kingston is a small village in the Elham Valley, 5 miles SE of Canterbury. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

The Old Post Office Cottage

Kingston is a small village in the Elham Valley, 5 miles SE of Canterbury. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

The Old Forge

Kingston is a small village in the Elham Valley, 5 miles SE of Canterbury. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

The Black Robin

Public house on the road to Bridge.

Jim Barton

Black Robin Inn sign, Kingston

The pub dates back to 1741 and according to legend, Black Robin was a notorious highwayman who eventually met his end on the gallows at Barham Cross Roads. There is also a connection with smugglers who sold their goods tax-free here. See the pub's website Link

for more on the legend of the Black Robin.

Jim Barton

Telecom mast

N Chadwick

Telecom mast

N Chadwick

North Downs Way

A long distance path in southern England. It runs from Farnham to Dover, past Godalming, Guildford, Dorking, Merstham, Otford and Rochester, along the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Kent Downs AONB. East of Boughton Lees, the path splits in two, the northern section running via Canterbury and the southern via Wye. The two sections of the path reunite at Dover. The northern route is 211 km long, and the southern route 201 km, the total length of the North Downs Way being 246 km. The pathway is mixed in that it varies throughout its length from footpath status to bridleway, byway and road. Some 19% of the Way follows roads, though 75% of those are minor lanes. It is marked by an acorn. See TQ6561 : Crossover in Long Distance pathways. See Link

for more details and an interactive map of the trail.

N Chadwick