The Kent History Forum

Geography in Kent => Place Names => Topic started by: grandarog on April 27, 2020, 12:22:18 PM

Title: Farningham Sign
Post by: grandarog on April 27, 2020, 12:22:18 PM
Farningham dates back to Neolithic times. The Romans were there and some of their Villas have been found.
Charles Dickens visited to fish on the River Darenth there.
The RFC/RAF had an emergency landing Airfield during the First World War.
There is a Fine old Mill well preserved as a private house.
Title: Re: Farningham Sign
Post by: Invicta Alec on April 27, 2020, 01:21:42 PM
Charles Dickens might have fished there, but so to did me and my mate Geoff!  :)
The little lakes at Horton Kirby were a magnet for fisher folks.


In the early 1960s we'd go there by train from St.Mary Cray and alight at Farningham Road. In those days though the station was actually named Farningham Road and Sutton at Hone. The next stop back up the line was Longfield for Fawkham and Hartley. Sadly it too had its name pruned to just Longfield.


Alec.

Title: Re: Farningham Sign
Post by: Invicta Alec on April 30, 2020, 03:52:22 PM
Well dear fellows I have to report an error

Seems like I wasn't 100 per cent correct. Here is a freeze frame from a video I found today.


Alec.
Title: Re: Farningham Sign
Post by: Smiffy on April 30, 2020, 04:24:44 PM
Invicta Alec,
 
Originally Fawkham, it was renamed 'Longfield for Fawkham & Hartley' in 1961 and changed again to just Longfield a few years later so your memory isn't at fault.
Title: Re: Farningham Sign
Post by: Invicta Alec on April 30, 2020, 09:08:47 PM
Yes, thank you for that Smiffy.  :)


I also queried it on the railway forum I am a member of. I got much the same answer from another member.


Alec.