Woodchurch, Kent

:"Woodchurch hamlet is located in the Manston, Kent civil parishinfobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Woodchurch
latitude= 51.0740
longitude= 0.7774
static_

static_image_caption=The windmill
civil_parish= Woodchurch
population = 1824 [ [http://www.ashford.gov.uk/about_the_borough/towns_and_villages/woodchurch.aspx Ashford Borough Council] Census 2001]
shire_district= Ashford
shire_county= Kent
region= South East England
constituency_westminster= Ashford
post_town= ASHFORD
postcode_district = TN26
postcode_area= TN
dial_code= 01233 860/1
os_grid_reference= TQ945342

Woodchurch is a village and civil parish, 7 miles from the market town of Ashford and convert|5|mi|km|0 from the Cinque Ports town of Tenterden, in Kent, South East England.

The windmill that overlooks the village from the north commands extensive views over the "Walland marshes" to the English Channel coast. It is a fine example of a Kentish smock mill and was originally one of a pair of windmills standing on this site, known locally as "The Twins". [ [http://www.woodchurchwindmill.co.uk/ Woodchurch Windmill] ]

The village is on the edge of the Weald of Kent, whilst the parish extends convert|6|mi|km|0 north to south and convert|4|mi|km|0 east to west, one of Kent's largest. Within the village are the settlements of Brattle and "Townland Green". To the south-west is the flat expanse of "Shirley Moor" leading to Romney Marsh and the low wooded hills overlooking Appledore and the Marsh are to the south-east. The surrounding area is designated as a "Kent Special Landscape Area". [http://www.woodchurch-pc.gov.uk/ Woodchurch Parish Council] ]

The South of England Rare Breeds Centre, one of 16 Rare Breeds Survival Trust approved farm-parks, is located nearby on the B2067 road. [http://www.rarebreeds.org.uk/contact.htm South of England Rare Breeds Centre website] ]

History

The village became firmly established in the 13th century with the erection of the large All Saints church made of Kentish ragstone. Although it was extensively restored in the 1840s, it still boasts a 13th century chancel and a famous brass of the 14th century, depicting a floriated cross design. It has an unusual four-faced clock and a spire which is convert|18|in|cm|0 out of the vertical at the top. [http://www.woodchurch-pc.gov.uk/ Woodchurch Parish Council] ]

The village primary school is situated near the church and was a National school. The first building was erected in 1844 and the school has since been enlarged on three occasions, namely, in 1872, 1896 and most recently in 1998. [http://www.woodchurch-pc.gov.uk/ Woodchurch Parish Council] ]

Today Woodchurch boasts a village life museum located on Susan's Hill and the South of England rare breeds centre is located a mile out of the village on the Hamstreet road (B2067).

External links

* [http://www.goldbern.co.uk/woodchurch/ Woodchurch Local and Family History Web Site]
* [http://www.woodchurchtennisclub.co.uk/ Woodchurch Tennis Club Web Site]

References