Guess the Place

[John Walker]

Very cunning JW.


It’s Smarden again, just a little way along The Street from your last GTP. No idea about the property though it looks very interesting.

Well done JohnFilmer


I took a chance with that one but you're too sharp for me 


I'm hoping another member might know some history of that house.  I couldn't even find out the name.


Over to you.

[johnfilmer]

Very cunning JW.


It’s Smarden again, just a little way along The Street from your last GTP. No idea about the property though it looks very interesting.

[pete.mason]

Goudhurst area?

[John Walker]

Close to a river and iron smelting here in the past.


Next to the village pump and about 100 mtrs from a pub/restaurant

[John Walker]

Iwade (early days) ?

You have it John. Taken during my youth (I'm in the white helmet). This would be around 71/72. I understand its still going strong (pre-covid), and the facilities have moved on a bit from bales of hay. Still have a few scars and a couple of screws to remind me of hitting the fencing; or going through it!
Over to you. 

Thanks Shoot999.  I could only think of two tracks at first. Iwade and Rhodes Minnis.  I knew it wasn't Rhodes Minnis as the was on a bank so opted for Iwade.  Watching the riders at speed round the track was incredibly exciting.  The speeds and 'competiveness' was amazing.


Next one ...

[shoot999]

Iwade (early days) ?

You have it John. Taken during my youth (I'm in the white helmet). This would be around 71/72. I understand its still going strong (pre-covid), and the facilities have moved on a bit from bales of hay. Still have a few scars and a couple of screws to remind me of hitting the fencing; or going through it!
Over to you. 

[CAT]

Could it be Kingsmead Stadium, Canterbury?

[johnfilmer]

I just love the “safety” fencing waiting to garrotte the unwary.

[John Walker]

Iwade (early days) ?

[shoot999]

Thank you johnfilmer.  I remembered the distinct plaque on the wall from a previous GTP search of Almshouses.


This also from a previous GTP. So may go just as quick 

[MartinR]

Sorry Castle, there were almshouses before that date.  Richard Watts  (1529–1579) left money in his will (dated 22 August 1579) to improve the existing almshouse in Rochester, so a earlier date than 1594 is almost certain.  His will refers to "the almshouse already erected and standing", desiring it to be "reedified" [rebuilt] as well as extended with rooms for the travellers.
Depending upon your definition of almshouse, Richard Pontyn left money in 1315 for "a House with Appurtenances called the Spittell of St. Katherine of Rochester in the suburbe in Eastgate" for any "Man or Woman of the Cittee of Rouchester to be visited with Lepre or other such Diseasses that longe to Impotence".  Now this may be best known as a leper hospital, but "other such Diseasses that longe to Impotence" indicates a more general refuge for the sick (including due to old age).  Pontyn's bequest became St. Catherine's Hospital (actually almshouses) which was amalgamated with the Richard Watts Charities on 1 August 1975.  The Hospital is still functioning under RWC's aegis in the almshouses at the top of Star Hill, Rochester.

[castle261]

Almshouses exsisted before 1594 - I believe Canterbury - was the first in Kent.

[johnfilmer]

That was extremely quick. And right!


I used to help prop up a bar (oh to do that now...) with a gentleman who helped administer both these and the Lenham almshouses. At the time my residency in the parish of Boughton Malherbe qualified me for a place. Probably been gone too long now.

[shoot999]

East Street, Harrietsham?

[johnfilmer]

A recycled one from a few years ago.
Almshouses, and still used  as such - but where?