| Lower Halstow | |
St Margaret's of Antioch, dates back to Saxon times |
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Lower Halstow
Lower Halstow shown within Kent |
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| District | Swale |
|---|---|
| Shire county | Kent |
| Region | South East |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Dialling code | 01795 |
| Police | Kent |
| Fire | Kent |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| List of places: UK • England • Kent | |
Lower Halstow is a village located in Kent, England. The village is situated on the banks of the Medway Estuary and it has a long and interesting history, with evidence of constant occupation since the iron age. Being so close to the water, Lower Halstow has (until recently) been a village that has made its living from the water – in one way or another. Whether it be ancient pottery making, ancient fishing, or in the 19th and 20th century brick-making, the water has been the lifeblood of the village.
The name of the village has developed gradually over the years: Holy Place (Halig stow) Pronounced "ail-stoo", with a long "oo" as in "through". c. 1100; Halgastaw, 1160; Halgastow, 1199; Halegestowe, 1226; Halgesto, 1576; Halstowe, 1610; Halstoe, c1790; Halstow, 1810 – Lower Halstow.
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Huddled down on the banks of the Medway Estuary is the church of St Margaret's of Antioch. This church has a fascinating history that can be traced back to Saxon England. The first recorded Parish Priest is John de London who is nephew to St Thomas Becket.
The church is a historian's delight with some fascinating features and ancient artifacts that are still in use today. The church can trace its oldest parts back to the 7th century, making it one of the oldest churches still in use in England. Some points of interest are:
In August 2007, Lower Halstow started to produce a Podcast called Radio Halstow, a commentary on rural life from this small village in Kent. Its produced and hosted by Paul A.T. Wilson (local historian and resident) who was also responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Village website, formerly an Editor of the Village Newsletter and held a position as a Parish Councillor for a number of years.