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Originally home of merchant adventurer Henry Hatch before his death in 1533, this historic building at 12 Market Place, opposite the iconic Guildhall, now houses Faversham’s Visitor Information Centre. Our volunteers are friendly and helpful, and a mine of local knowledge! We can provide free maps and trails for you to discover the history of our town.
Faversham is one of Kent's most delightful and historic market towns combining all the advantages of being just off the beaten track with easy access to first-class national and international transport links. For new and returning visitors, and even residents, the Society’s volunteers have access to a wide range of information supported by local knowledge covering Faversham and the outlying areas of Sittingbourne, Sheerness, the Isle of Sheppey, and the surrounding parts of Swale.
Since the Faversham Society was formed in 1962, we have built up an extensive catalogue of Faversham Papers that have been produced by enthusiastic and knowledgeable members. This work is part of the Faversham Society’s commitment to education and maintaining a passion for the history of our beautiful town.
The papers cover the history of Faversham and many surrounding villages. From Beowulf to Hop Picking and just about everything in-between. There should be something of interest for everyone!
Subjects covered include the royal abbey, historic churches and even local people’s memories of individual streets and the people who lived in them.
Two popular areas detailed by multiple Faversham Papers are the local gunpowder industry and the sailing barges and coasters which used the Creek.
We also have papers valuable to family historians, some of which contain information which may not be available elsewhere. As well as the 1841 and 1871 census returns, we have papers dedicated to the explosives personnel from 1573 onwards, ships and seamen of the 15th century and a biographical register from 1100 to 1650. Many papers also cover both the world wars and it’s impact on the town and it’s people. So these could be a valuable research if you are researching your ancestors who lived locally.
All of these papers are available to view in our Visitor Information Centre and a current list of publications can be downloaded here
The Visitor Information Centre also includes a gift shop selling a large variety of affordable souvenirs, maps, prints and postcards, many created by local artists.
Within the Visitor Information Centre, this collection of books relating to the local area and the wider aspects of our County must be one of the most comprehensive in Kent. You can find books on Kent and Faversham’s heritage, the history of explosives, the history of brewing and local hop farms, railways and trams, sailing barges, reproductions of old maps, and much more!
We also hold a supply of the locally researched Faversham Papers - over a hundred different papers are available. Subjects range from the history of local villages, Sheldwich, Boughton Under Blean, Oare, Ospringe and more, right through to research of the inhabitants of a particular Faversham street, Abbey Street, West Street, Tanners Street are examples. We have lots of interest to family historians which may not be available elsewhere. This includes details of explosives personnel from 1573 onwards, ships and seamen from the 15th century and a biographical register from 1100 to 1650. Many papers also cover both the world wars and it's impact on the town and it's people. These are all available to view in the Visitor Information Centre.
If you want to learn more about the history of the area or are just looking for a special gift, then we’re well worth a visit.
We've compiled a list of local sites of interest, places to visit and things to do in Faversham and the surrounding area.
Useful Links - The Faversham Society