If you love Faversham, join us. We seek to Cherish the Past, Adorn the Present, Create for the Future

Early Georgian

1727
The Faversham Farmers’ Club, the oldest social club in Britain, was founded.

1738
John Wesley first visited Faversham, preaching to a crowd ‘more savage in their behaviour than the wildest [Red] Indians’ he had seen in North America. Nonconformism flowered late in the town, big chapels being built only in the later 19th century.

1741
When it started isn’t known, but by now the town’s second major brewery belonged to Edward Rigden and was known by his name. Later being known as Whitbread Fremlins. It closed in 1991, the fine maltings range later being converted into a supermarket.

1754
Faversham Parish Church’s central tower was demolished, and its Romanesque nave replaced by a Georgian one. Fifty years later, the 1494 bell tower was demolished, to be replaced in 1797 by the present tower and crown spire.

1759
From their origins as small Gunpowder factories along the stream, the Home Gunpowder Works was nationalised by the Government. The Chart Gunpowder Mills dates from this time, the oldest in the world.    

Image taken, with permission, from the Arthur Percival Archives. Galleries | My Site (arthurpercivalarchive.co.uk)

Restored in the 1960s and now looked after by the Faversham Society, you can read more about the Chart Gunpowder Mills and follow the Gunpowder Trail walk: Chart Gunpowder Mills - The Faversham Society

Oare Gunpowder Works is now a Country Park, both a heritage site and nature reserve.  http://www.gunpowderworks.co.uk/

Opening Times

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
12 Market Place, ME13 7AE
10am to 4pm - Monday to Saturday
10am to 1pm - Sunday (opening hours may vary)

FLEUR MUSEUM - FREE ENTRY
12-13 Preston Street, ME13 8NS

Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8th, 9th, & 10th December. Friday & Saturday 15th & 16th December. Friday & Saturday 29th & 30th December

SECOND-HAND BOOKSHOP
11 Preston Street, ME13 8NS
10am to 3.30pm - Monday to Saturday

CHART MILLS
Off Stonebridge Way, ME13 7SE

Now closed until April 2024

Registered Charity  Number 1135262 - Company No 07112241
The Faversham Society - Registered Address: 10-13 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8NS
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