Pssst… Have you heard about the Allen Grove Local History Fund?

By Kate Kersey

The Allen Grove Local History Fund was established from a legacy made to the Kent Archaeological

Society by the late Allen Grove (1910-1990).

In 1948, Allen Grove was appointed Curator and Librarian of Maidstone Museum, which he held until retirement in 1975. In addition to the Kent Archaeological Society, he was involved with numerous other organisations. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquarians and

President of the Kent Archaeological Society from 1986-to 1987.

The Society administers the Allen Grove Local History Fund. Its objects are to promote research, preservation and enjoyment of local history in the ancient County of Kent1. These objects are consistent with those of the Society. It is a restricted fund and is invested separately from the Society’s other investments. Under the terms of the legacy, decisions on how the fund is to be spent via grants are taken by the Society’s officers.

Could your local history project or interest be eligible for a grant?

Local history can be almost impossible to define! It can involve a wide range of historical inquiry and investigation, encompassing local landscapes, oral traditions, written records, social and cultural practices, ephemera, and objects. A typical project can involve virtually anything in a geographical area smaller than the country or countries as a whole.

Applications for a wide range of local history projects are welcomed and encouraged by individuals, groups or societies. In the case of applications from groups or societies, the Fund Secretary will communicate with the project leader named in the application. Average grants recently awarded have been in the region of £500.

In 2021, grants were awarded to assist in the publication of a history of shop premises in Folkestone, a study of Becket’s shrines and Cosmati pavement in Canterbury cathedral, and the purchase of a camera by which to share research and recording of the Medway Valley to a wider audience through media such as a Vlog.

What is not eligible for a grant application?

Grants will NOT be made for excavation, fieldwork or works of fiction. Separate applications for excavation and fieldwork grants should be made to the Hon. General Secretary of the Kent Archaeological Society.

Submitting an application

Application forms can be downloaded from the

Society website or obtained from the Allen Grove Fund secretary (Allengroveadmin@ kentarchaeology.org.uk). Please note that application forms will only be considered which have been signed and dated, confirming acceptance of the Terms and Conditions.

The window for submitting applications is from 1 June to 30 September. As soon as practicable after the 30 September deadline, the Trustees will meet to consider the applications received.

Grants are made once a year.

We look forward to hearing from you!

1 The geographical area of Kent considered under the fund is that of the ancient county of Kent. It includes Medway and extends to the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham.

If undelivered, please return to R. Hills, 15 Henley Close, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0ER