Lower Halstow

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Coordinates: 51°22′26″N 0°40′08″E / 51.3738°N 0.669°E / 51.3738; 0.669
Lower Halstow

St Margaret's of Antioch, dates back to Saxon times
Lower Halstow

 Lower Halstow shown within Kent
Population 1,180 
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.

In 2011, the population of the village was 1,180.[1]

Etymology

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.

Church

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.[citation needed] 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:

  • Roman Tiles built into the brickwork (taken from a Roman Villa and Temple in the village)
  • A Saxon Window built into the wall of the church
  • An ancient Norman Lead Font – very rare and possibly the oldest in the country
  • Medieval Frescos and Graffiti – a statement of what life was like in pre-reformation England
  • A war memorial for the men of the village who died in the Great War

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ordinary Resident Population

External links

Media related to Lower Halstow at Wikimedia Commons

Towns and villages in the Borough of Swale in Kent, England


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