Rainham, Kent

infobox UK place
official_name= Rainham
unitary_england=Medway
lieutenancy_england=Kent
region= South East England
country=England
latitude= 51.359465
longitude= 0.607947
population= 6394 [ [http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=280516&c=ME8+8AD&d=140&e=15&g=406563&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1 National Statistics] Census 2001]
constituency_westminster= Gillingham
post_town= GILLINGHAM
postcode_area= ME
postcode_district = ME8
dial_code= 01634
os_grid_reference= TQ815655

The town of Rainham is part of the Medway Towns conurbation, under the unitary authority of Medway, in South East England, and part of the ceremonial county of Kent. Historically, Rainham was a separate village until, in 1928, it was added to the Borough of Gillingham, which had itself been created in 1903. [ [http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/leisure/localhistory/timeline/17909.htm Medway Council - Local history: Medway in the 20th century 1901 - 2000 ] ] It became part of the Medway authority when Gillingham was incorporated with the other towns to form Medway Unitary Authority in 1998.

Geography

Rainham is located on the dip slope of the North Downs where it descends to the River Medway; its maximum height is about 125m above sea level. There are three roads crossing the town. The M2 motorway runs along its southern edge, two miles (6km) from the town centre. The main road through the town, the A2, follows the ancient Watling Street, the Roman road between London and Canterbury. The most northerly road runs close to the southern bank of the river. The Chatham Main Line has a railway station here. London is approximately 39 miles (62.4km) to the west.

Park Wood estate, in the south of Rainham, was built mainly during the 1960s and 70s and at the time of its construction was the largest private housing estate in Europe Fact|date=January 2008. Building this estate required the destruction of one of the last large areas of relict woodland in North Kent. The area towards Gillingham is known as Rainham Mark, named after an old ecclesiastical boundary: and Macklands is an older part of the town to the north. The Macklands Arms public house was named after Macklands Manor House. The manor house was home to members of the Mackay family, who owned a printing company in Chatham. Lower Rainham, once a separate village, is now also a part of the town.

Demographics

Rainham was originally a linear settlement along the main road. The population in 1801 was 422. [ [http://www.rainham-history.co.uk/articles/berengrave_lane.htm How Was Berengrave Lane So Named ] ] ; two centuries later it is well over six thousand. Part of the reason for this huge growth can be attributed to the railway. When the railway came in 1858 it brought an almost immediate increase in the size of the village; when the Chatham Main Line was electrified in 1959, as with all the places served by it, town growth began again. One of the results was the building of Park Wood estate (see above).

Rainham today has a significant proportion of elderly residents, especially around the town centre where there are several retirement homes Fact|date=January 2008. The area is also popular with commuters to London and with young families due to the good reputation of local schools. Fact|date=January 2008.

Famous People From Rainham

Famous 'sons' of Rainham include TV chef Gary Rhodes, Duncan Faure (lead vocalist with 80s hitmakers Tight Fit), 'Pop Idol' finalist Rik Waller and singer-songwriter Rick Dougall (of 'Cabin Fever' fame). In fact, all four attended the same school (the Howard School for Boys). Influential indie rock band The Dentists also hail from Rainham.

Amenities

The parish church is dedicated to St Margaret; the Roman Catholic church to St Thomas of Canterbury.

Rainham has a small shopping area, including the "Rainham Shopping Centre" precinct, with a few major shops, including Tesco Metro, Iceland, Boots and Wilkinsons, as well as independent retailers including a large bookshop. There is a smaller shopping precinct in Parkwood. The town also has a library as well as several parks and a public swimming pool. This swimming pool is called Splashes and is near Cozenton Park and Rainham Mark Grammar School.

Rainham is also home to the first ever oast house theatre Fact|date=January 2008, where the "Rainham Theatrical Society" ("RaTS") puts on regular performances.

econdary schools

Rainham has three secondary schools:
*The Howard School: a specialist Sports College
*Rainham Mark Grammar School: selective school for which the Eleven plus exam has to be taken)
*Rainham School for Girls: a Technology College

Open spaces

The Riverside Country Park, which fronts on to the river Medway at Rainham Creek, includes the promontory of "Horrid Hill". Berengrave Local Nature Reserve is located on the Lower Rainham Road.

References

External links

* [http://weather.hythefm.com/ Weather in Rainham]
* [http://www.oasthousetheatre.f9.co.uk/index.htm Rainham Theatrical Society]
* [http://www.rainhamgirls.medway.sch.uk Rainham School for Girls]
* [http://www.rainhammark.medway.sch.uk Rainham Mark Grammar School]
* [http://www.thehowardschool.co.uk/schcal.asp The Howard School]
* [http://www.friendsofberengrave.btik.com Berengrave Local Nature Reserve]
* [http://www.rainham-history.co.uk History of Rainham]