Lower Halstow

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 51.3738
longitude= 0.669
official_name=Lower Halstow
population =
shire_district= Swale
shire_county = Kent
region= South East England
constituency_westminster=
post_town=
postcode_district =
postcode_area=
dial_code= 01795
os_grid_reference=

Lower Halstow is a village located in Kent, England. The village is situated on the banks of the Medway Estuary and it has a long and interesting history, with evidence of constant occupation since the iron age. Being so close to the water, Lower Halstow has (until recently) been a village that has made its living from the water – in one way or another. Whether it be ancient pottery making, ancient fishing, or in the 19th and 20th century brick-making, the water has been the lifeblood of the village.

The name of the village has developed gradually over the years: Holy Place (Halig stow) Pronounced "ail-stoo", with a long "oo" as in "through". c. 1100; Halgastaw, 1160; Halgastow, 1199; Halegestowe, 1226; Halgesto, 1576; Halstowe, 1610; Halstoe, c1790; Halstow, 1810 – Lower Halstow.

t Margaret's of Antioch Church

Huddled down on the banks of the Medway Estuary is the church of St Margaret's of Antioch. This church has a fascinating history that can be traced back to Saxon England. The first recorded Parish Priest is John de London who is nephew to St Thomas Becket.

The church is an historian's delight with some fascinating features and ancient artifacts that are still in use today. The church can trace its oldest parts back to the 7th century, making it on of the oldest churches still in use in England. Some points of interest are:
* Roman Tiles built into the brickwork (taken from a Roman Villa and Temple in the village)
* A Saxon Window built into the wall of the church
* An ancient Norman Lead Font – very rare and possibly the oldest in the country
* Medieval Frescos and Graffiti – a statement of what life was like in pre-reformation England
* A war memorial for the men of the village who died in the Great War

Village Podcast

In August 2007, Lower Halstow started to produce a Podcast called Radio Halstow, a commentary on rural life from this small village in Kent. It is produced and hosted by Paul A.T. Wilson (local historian and resident) who is also responsible for the creation and maintenance of the village website.

ee also

*High Halstow

External links

* [http://www.lowerhalstow.org.uk/ Official site]