Naomi Dickins – författare

With its gentle climate, rich soils and bountiful coastal waters, Kent is a land of plenty when it comes to food and drink. The abundant produce of Kent’s farms, orchards, hop gardens and fishing ports has been sustaining the nation for generations; not for nothing did Henry VIII dub this county the ‘Garden of England’. Kentish cooks can trace their culinary heritage back to the Roman occupation and today’s producers are building upon centuries of gastronomic tradition as they honour ancient customs and introduce new ideas. From baked Kentish huffkins to sweet gypsy tarts, from Romney Marsh lamb to Whitstable Bay oysters and from real ales brewed by Britain’s oldest brewery to fine wines made by adventurous new vintners, there is far more to Kentish comestibles than just apples, cherries and hops.In this book, local author Naomi Dickins discovers some of the county’s appetising delights and explores some of the customs and traditions associated with Kentish fare. Illustrated throughout, Apples, Cherries, Hops: Kent’s Food and Drink will appeal to all those with an interest in the county’s history and its culinary heritage.

From the wooded depths of the Wealden forest to the fortified cliffs of the Channel coast, and from the high hills of the North Downs to the wide flats of the Romney Marsh, Kent is a county of contrast and variety. Little wonder, then, that it is a place rich with folklore and stories, steeped in legend and superstition. The inhabitants of Kent present a vibrant cast of heroes and villains, while the county’s natural landscape, quiet villages, bustling towns, stately homes and royal residences provide the tales’ unique and colourful settings.In this book, local author Naomi Dickins brings together a collection of fascinating and entertaining tales from across the county, in which you might discover more about the origins of Kent place names and the Kentish customs of hoodening and yowling; hunt down a gang of smugglers or take a stand with the county’s defenders; bid farewell to an exiled king or discover where a native American princess is buried; meet with ancient ancestors, witches and ghosts, or just catch sight of a phantom ship.Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents, visitors and all those with connections to Kent.

Maidstone is the county town of Kent. The medieval town grew as an agricultural and industrial centre alongside the River Medway and played a pivotal role in the Peasants’ Revolt. Industries attracted to the town included paper mills, brewing, textiles and stone quarrying. The town has retained many buildings from its past including the Archbishop’s Palace and College of All Saints. Literary connections include Ian Fleming and Jack London and the town’s main theatre, The Hazlitt Theatre, is named after the writer William Hazlitt who was born in Maidstone.Celebrating Maidstone chronicles the proud heritage of Maidstone and what draws so many to this flourishing town today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Maidstone’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Maidstone will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Canterbury’s history stretches back to the earliest British settlements. Under the Romans it became a strategically important town and subsequent centuries became the centre of Christianity in England following Saint Augustine’s mission to the Anglo Saxons. The cathedral which still dominates the city has witnessed centuries of momentous change in the country’s history, including the murder of Archbishop Becket in 1170. The shrine became a pilgrim destination, celebrated in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. In later centuries industries came to Canterbury, not least silk weaving brought by Huguenot refugees, and although the city suffered significant losses during bombing in the Second World War, much of its heritage has been retained alongside new developments. Today the city attracts many visitors to its festivals, markets, shopping, theatres and musical events.Celebrating Canterbury chronicles the proud heritage of Canterbury, its important moments and what draws so many to this historical city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Canterbury’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Canterbury will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.