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Westbere Heritage Trail
Location: Kent
Westbere is a small village situated some four miles north east of Canterbury's city centre. It spreads along a steep wooded bank north of the Great Stour between the A28 and the Ashford to Ramsgate railway. With fewer than 130 properties, it is a peaceful rural village with a variety of dwellings including several hall houses built in the 1400s; some historic cottages and barns; a few later properties built for more distinguished residents and some modern houses and bungalows. Because it was for so long a poor farming community, it was not targeted for development in Victorian times and the central part of Westbere, in particular, remains quaint and rural.
The village has no formal centre with shops and other services. All Saints Church presides from the hill slope in Church Lane; there is a much used village hall and the local inn, Ye Olde Yew Tree dating from the 1400s, is popular with locals and visitors.
The rural nature of Westbere derives partly from the fact that it is separated from surrounding villages by green fields. The views across the Stour Valley are breathtaking and Westbere lakes, created when a former quarry was flooded, now form an extensive wetland area with reed beds. Inevitably there has been industrial development in some of the areas beyond the village including the now closed Chislet Colliery and the new Lakesview International Business Park.
There is a strong community spirit within the village and social events are well supported. One of the organisations, the Westbere Village Preservation Society, is currently setting up a Westbere Heritage Trail with a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative. An illustrated and descriptive walking trail leaflet will be accompanied by a booklet which will contain contributions from as many villagers as possible. Subjects that might be included include the architecture, industry, the lakes, local traditions and treasures, natural and social history, All Saints Church and Ye Olde Yew Tree Inn. Further supporting plans include an album quilt to be displayed in the village hall with the theme "Living in Westbere"; interpretation boards placed around the village; resting areas with locally made benches and contributions to this website. The intention is to involve as many local people as possible including the Village Art Class, the Playgroup and wannabe digital photographers!
Group Name |
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Westbere Village Preservation Society |
| Project Postcode |
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CT2 0HA |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £21007
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