The Woodman

I have had a email from a Mr Gerald Warner who is tracing his family tree in East Malling and Wateringbury. His current aim is to find some information on the following connection. If anyone can provide information, please could they post it on the blog.

"Iden Thomas Newman, who was the brother of my great grandmother Mary Ann Wells, was born in Mereworth on 17th May 1845. In his salad days he was a carpenter, in the census returns for 1881,1891 and 1901 he is recorded as being the Licensed Victualler at The Woodmans Inn, East Malling".

Tickets please!

Are we British obsessed with the weather and the trains? Anyway, as I've waited recently in the glorious sun at East Malling station I often ponder how well the station is maintained, despite the best efforts of some. What caught my eye recently are the new (retro-style) signs replacing the old blue and white ones. What would also be nice are some flower boxes or hanging baskets full of flowers to welcome people to the station, or, as the case may be, send them off.

Anyway, if you have an interest in all things train-related, you may be interested in my previous posts on East Malling Halt. To continue the theme, please cast your eye over the photos above of another view of the old Halt and an old ticket for a journey between Borough Green and Wrotham and East Malling Halt (courtesy of some sellers on ebay). Sadly there are no dates for the photo or the ticket. If anyone has any thoughts, please post a comment on the site.

East Malling Isolation Hospital

The Hospital of Infectious Diseases was also known in East Malling as an Isolation Hospital (thanks to Godfrey King's comment on my previous post). Armed with this new knowledge and with the British Journal of Nursing in my sights I set about finding some more information on this elusive hospital (other than the fantastic comments received so far). It turns out the Royal College of Nursing have an archive of the journal dating back to the early 1900s. The journal frequently refers to the Isolation Hospital, mainly to congratulate a Miss M. Cooke (whom appears to be a resident at the hospital around 1905) for submitting the correct answers in the guinea prize puzzle or quiz that was a regular feature of the journal. Other mentions have included: a Miss M. A. Hayles being appointed Staff Nurse at the hospital (August 1904); and, a Miss Richards, of East Malling, being unanimously elected a member of the Infectious Hospitals' Matrons' Association (March 1932). That's it I'm afraid. Hopefully we can revisit this one as (or, if) more information becomes available.

The East Malling Hospital of Infectious Diseases

A friend who lives in Four Acres of East Malling often finds bit of old bricks, fragments of what appears to be blue tiles and twisted old bits of metal when digging out in his garden. We've always thought this was odd as we assumed that before becoming residential the site had been just fields. However, having got my hands recently on a map of East Malling in 1908 it appears that Four Acres was originally (or at some stage) a hospital for infectious diseases. A later map, from 1932, shows that the hospital was still present on the site. The housing on Four Acres dates back to the 1960s and therefore it is possible that the hospital existed up until this time. The fact that a previous structure existed, could perhaps explain the rubble found in the earth. I carried out a few quick searches on Google and Google Books, but unfortunately cannot find anything further about the hospital. Thus, if anyone has any knowledge on this please post on the blog. If you see a parade of diggers, tv cameras in East Malling in the near future, you'll know that Time Team lot have got wind and are currently excavating the site. And then, as usual, when deciding there is nothing of interest, leaving the place reminiscent of the Somme in 1916. I'm sure my friend will be pleased.

Fancy going clubbing in East Malling?

Well, not in the traditional sense of the phrase, i.e. the loud music playing establishments that serve alcoholic beverages that one may find themselves falling out of (or, more worryingly, into). What I had in mind are the clubs of East Malling that have recently set up blogs to communicate with their current members and reach out to new ones. The two that spring to mind are the East Malling Gardening Club and East Malling Backgammon Association. More clubs can be found on the clubs section of East Malling village pages on Kent Online. If you have any clubs/associations you would like promoting, just let me know. Also, if you would like to keep in the know and impress your friends with your East Malling pearls of wisdom, I would suggest subscribing to this blog to receive email updates of any new content posted. Right, I'm off clubbing...

Dear South Eastern Railways...

It occurred to me today, having come across the photos below, that it would be fabulous if South Eastern Railways (or rail track, or whoever would be responsible) were to run a steam train journey for commuters instead of the usual trains. This could take place once a month on a Friday and would give commuters something to look forward to and maybe (going out a limb here) it would cheer every one up. Also, it be an amazing PR exercise for the train company. My cynical side, however, reminds me (in an annoying wittering voice) that there is probably a miriad of reasons why this is unlikely to ever happen, e.g. health and safety issues, number of seats, lack of carriages, lack of specialist train drivers, industrial action, personal injury claims, etc. Whilst I continue my daydream, you may wish to cast your eye over the photos below. The first is from the East Malling/Ditton/Barming avian blog and featured in a post on the 24th October 2007 (for train buffs: this is a 45407). The second I found on the discussion forum of a website called Watercress Line. The post was by a Mr Hugh Topham on the 20th August 2003. He writes: "Saw 73096 today at East Malling Station as photo shows Passed through at 12:58 on its way to Canterbury on a Cathedrals".

I expect there are more photos and information out there on steam trains and East Malling. If you have anything to contribute, please let me know.

Have you done your pruning?

If you have, you're probably more organised that me. If not, you may want to have a look at the picture below for some inspiration.

The painting is called "A 1944 Pastoral : Land Girls Pruning at East Malling" by Evelyn Dunbar and is available on the Manchester Art Gallery website. The information accompanying the picture explains that: "Recruits from the Women's Land Army are here shown pruning apple trees in a small village just outside Maidstone in Kent. The Land Army was set up to encourage women to work on farms to help the war effort. The surround of hands with secateurs
suggests diagrams from a training manual".

You may have already guessed that the setting is The East Malling Research Station, confirmed by Brian Foss (2007) in his book "War Paint: Art, War, State and Identity in Britain, 1939-1945". If you are interested in learning more about the painting you can read the relevant section of Foss' book on Google Book Search or have a look at the an article in the Telegraph on Dunbar's work

Right, where did I put my secateurs...

The East Malling Blog

Time really does fly. It only seems like yesterday that I was plodding through the snow on the Rocks Road to get to the station, whilst thinking about writing a blog. As snow is forecast in the next 24 hours it seemed a good time to remind everyone to take some photos and send them to me. I haven't written a post for a while and I am determined to make more of an effort (well, once I have my new laptop. Writing these posts on a mobile phone is not good for my mental health). While I'm here I should also mention a new 'recent comments' feature on the blog. This will show any comments made by visitors in a seperate list. This will make it easier to see what people's feedback has been and to encourage participation. I have also added a new banner, which will literally put us on the map! Thanks for all the information and photos I have been sent, which I have been keeping in a folder. I will put it all up eventually. I promise.

Nasima Tandoori

So what is next for number 1-3 High Street, East Malling? I've only ever known it as Nasima Tandoori, but from the photos I've seen the building has had a fruitful life as many different shops. The old photo below was sent to me by Diane Brazier and the other more recent one (7th September 2006) is courtesy of Stephen on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/esteph/). The building is looking a bit sorry for itself and I hope someone comes along to give it a bit of love and attention that it deserves. And the same goes for the old bakery (Sweets n' Treats). Even if these properties became residential this would be a good outcome. They could then feature plaques detailing their history like the old post office, etc. If anyone has heard any information regarding these properties, please let me know or post here.

East Malling Halt (3)

Another ebay auction has resurrected the East Malling Halt theme that started back in March (see my original and subsequent post). The item is a East Malling Halt totem sign. The seller described this as a "rare totem", which was reflected by the fact the winning bid was £450! Some totems on ebay have apparently sold for £2000, so maybe £450 is a bargain. I have included the photo the seller left below.

Sketch of East Malling

Here is another East Malling sketch courtesy of ebay. I have pasted the information left by the seller below. It always a good idea to copy these over from ebay for posterity, as once items are sold the drawings and information is taken off and threfore could be lost forever!

Is anyone familiar with the building depicted or perhaps the artist? This drawing is currently for sale on ebay should anyone be interested in making a bid.

This fine example of a pencil and sepia wash drawing is of a dwelling in East Malling, Kent. The artist is D. Simpson and the work is dated 1865. The drawing measures 315mm by 240mm and the gilt wooden frame 410mm by 325mm.The drawing is clean and free from foxing. The wooden frame and glazing are of more recent origin and are intact and in good order.

East Malling Postcards

There have been a few postcards recently posted up on ebay. I have included these below.

(1) The title of the first is "High Street, East Malling". The publisher is D.B.L Series No. 3956. The description is "colour printed postcard postaly used dated 1910 with a half penny stamp".

(2) The second is a unused postcard with a real photo. Name over shop is GH Standen. Under window is Parker & Son. No date unfortunately. Early 1900s I would expect (does anyone remember the shop, or know of a more exact date for the photo?).

These postcards are currently being auctioned on ebay should anyone be interested in making a bid!

Mrs Norris Uncovered?

I'm happy to report that I have received further information on the 1816 sketch of East Malling entitled "Offices at Mrs Norris. East Malling". In my original post I asked if anyone knew the location in the photo or the name Norris. Unfortunately, we haven't been been able to pin-point the location, but courtesy of research advice provided by Paula Montandon, it has been possible to produce a list of people with the surname Norris who were christened at East Malling Parish Church. The search was carried out on http://www.familysearch.org/ (I will add this to the links section), which thankfully indexes the parish registers for East Malling (1570-1940).

Therefore, if we assume that the person in the photo is Mrs Norris and that she was christened at East Malling Parish it is possible that it could be one of the two females listed below, i.e. Mary or Elizabeth. However, based on these assumptions and the dates given, it would mean that sketch is of a 74 year old Mary or a 42 year old Elizabeth (if they were christened the year they were born). I excluded Emma on the basis that she would have been approximately 5 years old. If one was to choose between the two, bearing in mind a 74 year old person would have been extremely old in 1816, the likely candidate would be Elizabeth. This conclusion, I realise, is based on a lot of assumptions, but it hopefully may provide some more leads (e.g. one possibly being that I've got it all wrong!).

If anyone has any thoughts on this, please let me know.

1. MARY NORRIS - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Female Christening: 13 FEB 1742 East Malling, Kent, England

2. EMMA HENRIETTA NORRIS - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Female Christening: 10 JUL 1811 East Malling, Kent, England

3. EDWARD NORRIS - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Christening: 26 JAN 1770 East Malling, Kent, England

4. JAMES NORRIS - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Christening: 03 MAY 1772 East Malling, Kent, England

5. ELIZTH. NORRIS - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Female Christening: 13 FEB 1774 East Malling, Kent, England

The Woodman - Sweets Lane

Taking a stroll in the blistering sun last Sunday down Sweets Lane (15th April) I came across a building that used to be The Woodman Pub in East Malling (if it had still been a pub I would have been in there like a shot to ease my sun-drenched thirst). I had previously seen the old picture below and was therefore confident I would recognise the the building in its current form. What sealed it, however, was the empty sign frame, which appears to be the original. What is a shame is that I took my photo from a different angle! When I am next on Sweets Lane I will take a shot from the right perspective and replace the one below.

I have carried out a quick search on the Internet, which reveals that the building is now a nursery school. Also, on comparison of the photos there are a few changes to the building to note. Firstly, that it now has three windows at the top and a one bottom centre where the door to the pub used to be. The entrance to the house now appears to be on the right of the building, hence the gate.

Unfortunately, the old photo of the Woodman did not come with a date. If anyone knows (even approximately) when this was taken please let me know.

Many thanks to Kent County Council for permission to use the The Woodman photo.

East Malling Halt (2)

Here's one for you....why is a train station called a halt? Because it is unmanned of course. Except, however, in the case of East Malling. The feedback I have received is that our beloved station was, in its early days, actually manned even though it was called a halt. I'm sure there's a simple explanation. Maybe it later became manned after being given it's title, particularly as it has been described as a very busy station (pre-war that is) due to the lack of automobiles at this time and Maidstone being only a short distance away. My original post on the station identified what appeared to be a waiting room on the platform. I have been kindly informed that this was correct and the adjacent platform also had a waiting room. I also noted that the perspective in the photo appeared to be from the current station car park. I'm likely to have egg on my face on this one, as it has been suggested that the photo was taken from the other side, i.e. on the corner of Rocks Road looking toward the London-bound platform. Hence, the wall in the photo looks like the side of the road bridge on the High Street.

I can also report that David Glasspool (the author of Kent Rail) is going add East Malling Halt to his website later this year. I soon as I learn of this I will post something up.

Thanks to Godfrey King and Sarah Carling for their contribution to the above.

Sweets 'n Treats (2)

When a shop has greyed-out windows it's usually a sign that it is being refurbished and will eventually be unveiled as something new and exciting. Hopefully this will be the case with Sweets 'n Treats, as it is looking a bit in between places at the moment. The shop, in its current form, was a short-lived venture as a sweet shop. Thankfully, the building has a much more exciting history. The shop used to be the village bakers, which was very popular and heavily used in the 1930s. The baking ovens were located at the back of the premises. The shop was run by successive bakers in the 1970s and 80s before it was eventually shut down and all the equipment was sold off. In the shop's heyday all the bread could be sold out as early as 10am. A local resident, Diane Brazier, bought several of the Hovis Tins that were sold off when it was finally shut. Hopefully some photos of the old bakery will come my way and I will post these up. Thanks again to Godfrey King and Diane Brazier for the above information.

East Malling Halt

For those of us who commute, now the clocks have gone forward we can again enjoy the train journey to and from East Malling in the daylight and appreciate the fabulous scenery of the Kent countryside along the way. Admittedly, I'm usually asleep on the train in the morning, but it makes all the difference in the evenings. There's nothing worse as the working day draws to an end than the thought of getting on a train where all you can see is your own reflection. Anyway, this leads me on to East Malling train station or, as it was originally called, East Malling Halt when it opened in 1913. This information was sourced from a great site called Kent Rail. For those of you wondering what a 'halt' actually is (i.e. in terms of rail transport), Wikipedia has the answer: "a halt is a small station, usually unstaffed and with few facilities" and the entry goes on to say that many stations have now removed the use of 'halt' in the title, as in the case of 'East Malling'. I attach photograph of East Malling Halt taken circa. 1950 (thanks again to Diane Brazier for supplying me with this). It looks as though the photo was taken from the perspective of station car park (though I could be wrong). And could the hut on the adjacent platform be the one that stands there today? Although the hut in the photo looks as though it has a door to the left (a waiting room perhaps?). If any one has thoughts on this, or any more photos, please let me know.

No Sweets 'n Treats?

How the mind wanders. I'm currently on the train to East Malling from London and thought it would be a good idea to introduce some present information to the blog to counter-balance the marvelous historical facts we have learned so far. Since I moved to the area last September I have wondered about the disused Sweets 'n Treats shop on the High Street with the greyed-out windows. Did this used to be the village newsagents? And, if so, are there any plans to reopen it? If anyone knows the answers please post or let me know.

Streams (3)

The East Malling stream has attached much attention since my original post reporting on a mention in the parish magazine ‘In Touch’. Following this, Godfrey King detailed the route of the stream from its source in East Malling to the river Medway. The latest information comes via two emails from Diane Brazier. I have edited these to provide the information below. Diane is lucky enough to have the stream actually wind its way through her back garden! As a resident of East Malling 33 years Diane has seem much stream-related activity and an abundance of wildlife!

When Diane first moved to East Malling from London in the early 1970s the stream was full of brown trout. The children used to drop lines with bait in the dip hole to catch them. Diane once saw a tiny water shrew doing water acrobatics in the dip hole. The stream has also attracted kingfishers, grey herons, moorhens, mallards, black caps and even water voles (please see the attached drawing carried out by Diane of a water vole on the cress beds). Diane also found two large crayfish whilst clearing out the stream. When the stream dried up last year they caught the last trout and ferried him upstream in a bucket together with as many of the tiny fish they could save. When the stream returned after the drought Diane once again saw the kingfisher in her garden. Diane’s late neighbour, Jack Watts, told her that in his childhood the stream was the village's main source of drinking water.

If anyone has any drawings or photos of the old stream or the wildlife it has attracted I would be happy to post these on the site. If these are only in hard copy I'm happy to receive these by post (if you are happy to send them). Please email me and I will forward on my address.

What's in a name?

Have you ever wondered where the name "East Malling" originated? I expect not. But to be fair nor did I until I found myself in West Malling library today (I don't normally spend a Saturday afternoon in libraries, but it is cold and miserable outside).

According to The Place Names of Kent (Glover: 1976), Malling derived its name from a tribe settlement in 942 called Mealla's people. East Malling appears to be the original settlement of this tribe, as a "charter dated 942-6 refers to....[the] boundary of the East Meallingas" (p.124). This is particularly interesting as it infers that East Malling originally had the "Malling" name because of the settlement and, therefore, West Malling must have derived its name because of the westerly proximity it has to East Malling. However, the same tribe also settled at South Malling in Sussex. According to the BBC's Kent Place Names page the records of the settlement are slightly earlier (838) and therefore it is possible and likely that they settled in Sussex before East Malling.

A search of the Meanings of Domesday Place-names of Sudsexe (Sussex) reveals that (in relation to South Malling) the '-ingas' in 'Meallingas' refers to "tribe, people" and therefore 'Mealla' could have been the leader of the tribe.

The Place Names of Kent also charts the evolution of the name from 'Meallingas' to 'Malling': Meallingas 942 - Meallingan c.1060 - Metlinges, Mellingetes 1086 - Mallinges 1187 - Mauling 1217 - Malling 1610.

If you know the history of any of the street names in East Malling, please let me know.