Appledore - (Danes invade England)

General Details

Appledore Kent - South towards the Military Canal

Appledore in Kent is situated on the B2080 just on the edge of the Romney Marshes, where until the 13th century the river Rother used to reach the sea. Originally a shipbuilding and trading port, it was probably founded by the Saxons on the boundary of two kingdoms, as apple trees seem to have been Saxon land separators. In 892, after 5 years of fighting against King Alfred and his armies, the Danes invaded Appledore , via the sea creeks that used to link it to the English Channel, and made it their main base.

It is believed that Alfred the Great built a fort at nearby Newenden , and then attacked and defeated the Danes forcing them out of the area.

The Domesday Book(1086) records that a church existed, but no stonework of that time can be identified in the existing church of St Peter and St Paul, however much of the 13th century work has survived. The font dates from the 15th century. The screen which is unusual in that it extends right across the church, is in three sections, each having different designs, and dates from the 14th century. The church also houses a stunning tapestry which was worked to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the church in 1988. It depicts the history of this lovely village, and is well worth viewing.

In 1359 King Edward III granted Appledore a weekly market and an annual fair. This continued to be held until the end of the last century.

In 1380 the French sailed to Appledore , and burned and pillaged the village, gutting the church. The church was subsequently rebuilt and enlarged.

In 1381 the men of Appledore joined in the Great Peasants Revolt . Home's Place, which stands just outside the village was sacked by the men of Wat Tyler .

In 1450 when the rebel Jack Cade and his army marched through, many Appledore men were included in its ranks.

In 1583 Queen Elizabeth I became a tenant of Appledore Manor.

In 1804 Napoleon was getting ready to invade England, The Royal Military Canal was built as part of the nations defenses. A side effect of the Military Canal was that the land was more effectively drained so removing the marsh land. It was re-fortified this century, when Hitler planned his invasion of Britain during the 2nd World War.

Views

Appledore in Kent village is very pretty, and has an open and peaceful feel to it. The walk along the banks of the Royal Military Canal, is very enjoyable and relaxing, the route to Woodchurch in the East is owned by the National Trust.

The church is pretty and its tapestry and screen are worth a visit.

Services

Appledore in Kent has a few shops and public houses, but the main shopping towns are Rye to the West, Tenterden to the North or Ashford to the East.

The nearest train service runs across the Romney Marsh , stopping nearby at Appledore station about 1 mile from the village.

Map

Appledore is shown as the red symbol on the map.

Nearby Villages
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