Guess the Place

[John Walker]

Did it attract large numbers of rockers?

[Beachbum]

So more known as a Cafe, so good guess MartinR

[MartinR]

Two thoughts cross my mind: either a tearoom somewhere, or else a maternity hospital.  Probably weird!

[Beachbum]

An interesting monument, thanks John Walker and MartinR

next up, where is this and who used it (including me)?

[MartinR]

The cross is a grade II listed building (sic): https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1438738?section=official-list-entry

[John Walker]

You have it Beachbum - over to you ...


The monument, measuring 61m by 21m, was supported by a memorial stone surrounded by iron railings at the base, recording the names of the 42 Lenham villagers who died in the First World War.

A second stone, with the names of the 14 killed in the Second World War was added later, but in 1960 both were moved to the north entrance of St Mary’s Church to make it easier for infirm mourners to visit them.
During the Second World War, the cross was covered over to prevent it being a marker for enemy aircraft.
It 1983, it underwent a major renovation with 40 tonnes of chalk added.Historic England’s citation states: “The memorial is rather unusual when compared with other war memorials as it was carved by hand directly into the chalk of the North Downs as a hill-figure cross and prominent landmark by Mr Freddie Baldock, with help from local volunteers.

[MartinR]

Another view showing access from the lane/footpath: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.2416396,0.7286197,2a,75y,333.44h,92.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0h-ZNTuRFdlT8eR8CtyByQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1
Location info:

• Grid:           TQ 90552 52721
• Post code*: ME17 2HA
• WGS84:      51°14'31"N, 000°43'43"E or 51.2418349,0.7286259

*Nearest
Note that the footpath is the North Downs Way National Trail and there is no vehicular access along this stretch.  According to GSV access from the West is in a better state for wheelchairs/mobility scooters/buggys.
One I must try to get out and see.  Thanks John.

[Beachbum]

Would that be the Lenham War Memorial?

The Lenham Hospital was a TB base and the cross was for local WW1 victims (42) and then WW2 local victims.

[John Walker]

There used to be a hospital fairly close.

[John Walker]

Just visible in the far distance from the A20 but not enough to make it out unless you know it.  However, its next to something connected and man-made that's even larger and is visible from the A20.


You can get very close with the same view as my photo on GSV.

[John Walker]

Is that the A20?

Yes MartinR - it's the A20. 

[MartinR]

Is that the A20?

[John Walker]

Overlooks a large village situated on a well used A Road.

[John Walker]

Looks a bit like my pre WW2 memory of Darland Banks?- apart from the seat!

Not Darland Banks Dave Smith.  Need to head South East.


The seat replaced two large stones that have been re-sited.

[John Walker]

It might have been this John.


https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201825
 
 
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201828

Also just found this ...

DREAMLAND, MARGATE  1940s

The first half of Dreamland’s 1940s was, of course, dominated by the war effort on the home front and overseas. The cinema and ballroom initially remained open at the outbreak of World War II, though any prospects for anything like a normal summer season in 1940 were abandoned when the entire Dreamland site was requisitioned by the Government. This June 1940 order was made on the back of the Dunkirk evacuation, where thousands of British and Allied soldiers were rescued from the beaches after being cut off by the German army.
The restaurants served as treatment centres for the wounded and the ballroom was converted to a makeshift dormitory for troops. Meanwhile, the Garden Café was used as an interrogation centre to root out possible spies and armers. 2,000 troops were later stationed at Dreamland, including many from the Entertainment National Service Association (better known as ENSA), including actor Jack Warner of Dixon of Dock Green fame and Ralph Reader, creator of The Gang Show.