Description

Sheldwich is a small village a few miles to the south of Faversham, on the ancient road across the North Downs to Ashford. This is an account of its history, along with the neighbouring settlements of Badlesmere and Leaveland.

The author was the village priest and lives in the oldest house in Sheldwich, dating back to the 14th Century. He writes authoritatively about the way of life of the villagers from Roman times to the twenty-first century, describing aspects of their lives as varied as trade between the neighbouring towns and cricket on the village green.

He discusses the architecture of the village past and present, including of course St James’s Church (parts of which date to the twelfth century) and his own house, and some of the prominent local families, such as the Earls of Sondes and the Morgan-Kirbys.

This thorough account will be of interest to residents and visitors and also to anyone wanting an insight into the history of the English village.