Portal:Kent/Did you know

... that the present town of Ashford in Kent, England, originates from an original settlement established in 893 AD by inhabitants escaping a Danish Viking raid?
...that Charles Davis Lucas, the first person to be awarded the Victoria Cross, is buried in the churchyard of St Lawrence's Church in Mereworth, Kent?
...that the village of Chiddingstone near Sevenoaks is unique in that with the exception of church and castle it is entirely owned by the National Trust?
...that Matthew Webb, the very first person to swim the English Channel, left from Dover in 1875 ?
... that the world’s first aircraft factory was opened at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey by the Short Brothers in 1909?
... that there were 36 Kings of Kent?
... that Herne Bay Pier was the setting for the opening sequence of Ken Russell's first feature film French Dressing?"

On this Day - November 16

1869 - The Great fire of Whitstable devastated the coastal town, destroying 71 buildings.