Linton is a small, possibly the smallest village in kent, which straggles along the A229 on the south facing hill between Staplehurst and Maidstone . The village provided labour to the quarry which is to be found in nearby Boughton Monchelsea , but has grown up from the 1700's to provide living quarters to the workers from Linton Place. Linton is first mentioned in the 1200's with the manor being part of East Farleigh. The church was rebuilt in 1280 and extended during the reign of Edward III. The village is mentioned in 1314 when the village patronage was given to a hospital for travellers in the West borough of Maidstone by Archbishop Walter Reynolds . The local Bull Inn was built in the 15th century as a watering point for travellers. In 1381 during the Kentish Rebellion the rebels of Wat Tyler marched through Linton to the way to Maidstone gaol, to release their collegues. The following year in September there was a small scale repeat, with Linton and Maidstone being the targets, but this was easily put down by the Crown. Linton Place was purchased by the Mayne family during the late 1500's, they were a family from Biddenden made wealthy by the broadcloth industry. Their grandson Sir Robert Mayne took over, but fought with the Cavaliers in the battle of Maidstone in 1648. The Roundheads ( Parliamentarians ) defeated the Cavaliers and the Mayne family sold it to Sir Francis Withens whose family held it then sold it to Sir Robert Mann in the early 1700's. He rebuilt major parts of the building and estate, and his family in turn held it until 1935. One of Sir Robert's decendants married into the Cornwallis family, which is why the Cornwallis family is recorded in the church. The church was rebuilt by the Corwallis family in the late 1800's.

Services

Linton has limited services, with only a public house and church being available. The nearest local shops are at Coxheath about 2 miles away. The Hawkhurst to Maidstone bus stops in the village, and provides a regular service. The main shopping centre and train service can be found at Maidstone about 4 miles north.

Views

The views down the hill across the weald of Kent are very attractive, with many quarried stone houses lining the road. At the bottom of the hill, the land is flat but very fertile, and provides good farming with hops and pastures being favourite.