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

Up to World War I

Early 1900s
Goal-running became a popular local sport. No gear was needed apart from a grassy field and three posts. Its popularity waned after the First World War and later attempts to revive it were unsuccessful.

1904 
The town’s first purpose-built police station opened in Church Road.  It’s now open as a museum. Visit their website for more information and opening times:  Kent Police Museum | Kent Police

1910
A roller-skating rink opened in a former barge-building shed in Brent Road. About 20 years later a Faversham roller-hockey team, playing as an England one, amazingly won the world title! This photo of Faversham Creek shows the Skating Rink in the background

The full story of the Skate Boys of Faversham and many other areas of the interesting history of our town have been researched by enthusiastic volunteers. These Faversham Papers are on sale in our Visitor Information Centre. A full list of the publications can be found here: Publications - The Faversham Society

1914
When the First World War began, the local explosives factories were requisitioned by the Admiralty. Scores of refugees from Belgium arrived in the Faversham area.

1916
A catastrophic explosion at Uplees damaged the Explosives Loading Company and Cotton Powder Company plants, killed more than 120 people, and injured scores more.

1916
The metre-gauge Davington Light Railway opened to serve the high explosives factories at Uplees. One of the UK’s shortest-lived lines, it closed in 1918. Its three tank locomotives found their way to Brazil, where two survive as museum-pieces.

1916
At the request of the Admiralty, a Scottish firm of shipbuilders, Pollock’s, opened a shipyard on the Brents bank of the Creek. It was to build hundreds of vessels, from lighters to tugs, tankers and trawlers.

Opening Times

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

FLEUR MUSEUM - FREE ENTRY
FRIDAY 26TH MAY TO SATURDAY 3RD JUNE - 11:00 TO 15:00 EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAY

SECOND-HAND BOOKSHOP
10am to 3.30pm - Monday to Saturday

CHART MILLS
Open Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm

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