Thurnham

Just at the foot of the North Downs and around three miles north east of the town of Maidstone lies the village of Thurnham. In comparison to some of its village neighbours, Thurnham is a relatively small settlement. Boarded by much larger villages, such as Hollingbourne and Bearstead, Thurnham's claim to just 839 electorates definitely proves is as one of the smaller Kentish villages. However, its small size does not mean that Thurnham does not have a lot to offer both its residents and visitors. A major part of Thurnham's landscape falls within the North Downs and is thus considered as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The renowned "Pilgrim's Way", which was immortalised by Chaucer in his work "The Canterbury Tales" passes through the Kentish countryside and also leads through Thurnham, providing a popular route for walking and rambling societies, or even everyday tourists en route to explore the ruins of Thurnham castle. All in all the village offers amazing panoramic views across the North Downs and is a wonderful example of village life. The parish still features greatly in the life of its residents and the sense of community is very profound.

The history of the village is extensive and in fact, the village church itself has been dated back to the pre-Norman period. In fact, Historians have stated that there is substantial evidence to show that Thurnham was actually settled well before the Roman conquest of the British Isles in AD43. Its is actually registered as one of the oldest parishes in the Borough, and is to be found in the Domesday Book. The entry dated 1085 lists a church building and some 150 inhabitants in the surrounding area. Thurnham's interesting history is evident in the several archaeological finds which have been uncovered in the area.- this includes the remains of a Roman house which was excavated in 1933.

Thurnham castle itself was commissioned by the de Thurnham brothers in the 12th century, during the reign of Henry II. The brothers themselves were actually strongly involved in the crusade campaigns of Richard the Lionheart. The ruins still exist on the brow of a hill, which forms part of the major stretch of chalk hills in the Downs. The walls still stand at an impressive thirteen feet high and enclose almost a quarter of an acre of land. The scenic route along the "Pilgrim's Way" and the beautiful landscape surrounding it have resulted in the castle's popularity amongst both local historians and walkers alike.

Those looking for the most comprehensive allusions to the village's history should most definitely visit the village church of St. Mary The Virgin. The church contains various memorials to some of the villages' most wealthy, noble and influential families, as well as stained glass windows to commemorate the military lives lost during the First World War and a plaque dedicated to those who fell in World War Two.

The newly commissioned White Horse Wood Country Park has also brought more reason to explore the local countryside. This is a new conservation project which has seen acres of trees and grassland planted in the area in a bid to encourage local flora and fauna and also ensure that the residents of local villages are actually able to enjoy and appreciate their local wildlife and countryside. The environment is a cause which lies very close to the hearts of Thurnham villagers and their parish council. Thurnham has joined forces with its neighbouring village of Bearstead in opposition to the proposed Kent International Gateway. If the bid is passed it would see a huge rail-freight and logistics depot impose on the Kentish countryside. The opposition to the bid see the depot as both unnecessary and a major threat to local wildlife and landscape.