New Books

The Pilgrims’ Way – Fact and Fiction of an Ancient Trackway by Derek Bright

ISBN 978 0 7524 6085 7

Winding its way from Winchester to Canterbury, through Hampshire, Surrey and Kent, the Pilgrims’ Way is one of England’s most ancient trackways. It is beloved of walkers throughout southern England, yet remains an enigma to many who regularly follow its tracks.

From the Neolithic through to Victorian pilgrims, the book re-evaluates how we should perceive this ancient trackway. Using evidence of roadside crime, prohibitive legislation, and the everyday hazards facing travellers, the book assesses how the road has served travellers over time.

£14.99, available from www.thehistorypress.co.uk or direct sales from 01235 465577.

Ditton - The Story of a Kentish Village by Alan Dodge

Published by the Ditton Heritage Centre, this book traces the story of Ditton from prehistory to the present day. It tells of a small farming community of four farms, two mills and a church, which by 1801 had a population of only 98. An introductory chapter describes the different parts of the village with the origin of names of places and fields. There is a brief account of local geology. Subsequent chapters are entitled; Prehistoric and Roman History; A Saxon and Norman Community; Medieval Times: The Reformation to the Restoration; A Georgian Village; A Victorian Village; War and peace; The Modern World. Includes many illustrations of demolished buildings, old street scenes, and maps dating back to the 1680s, references to historical sources, suggestions for further reading, and a detailed index.

The Trustees of the Allen Grove Fund contributed £150 towards the book.
Paperback, 176 pages, 130 illustrations. Price £10. Available from Liz Day
Ditton Heritage Centre Ltd
26 St Peter’s Close
Ditton
Aylesford
ME20 6PG
Tel: 01732 840937
Email: day.liz@btinternet.com