Kent Archives

@kentarchives

A nationally accredited archive repository for Kent, established in 1933 and based in Maidstone. Get involved and keep up-to-date with the latest news and events from our service. This account is monitored from Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5pm.

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Kent Archives@kentarchives· 1d

We'll be looking skyward this evening to enjoy the much-anticipated #SolarEclipse — safely, of course… Unlike Major Alexander Ruthven Pym, who viewed the "Titanic" Eclipse of April 1912 using 'smoked glass and a telescope'. Some methods are best left in the archives! 🌒 🔭😵‍💫 ☟ See U2500/F1/6

Shown here is a diary entry documenting the “Titanic” Eclipse of Wednesday 17th April 1912 [ref. U2500/F1/6]. Comprising a phase diagram and an amateur photograph of the event, the entry was penned by Major Alexander Ruthven Pym; a British Army officer, farmer, and Chairman of Kent County Council. It’s one of several diaries we hold by Pym, collectively spanning 1906-1971 (with the exception of 1908).

The "Titanic" Eclipse acquired its nickname owing to the tragic sinking of the famous ocean liner only two days prior. It was a hybrid solar eclipse: a rare astronomical event in which the Sun appears completely hidden by the Moon from some locations, whereas from others, a thin ring of sunlight remains visible. The area on Earth from which a total eclipse could be seen in April 1912 was extremely narrow, measuring only around 1.3 km (0.8 miles) wide at its maximum, and the Sun was completely covered for just two seconds.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable ocular experience this evening!

Kent Archives@kentarchives· 14d

We've recently catalogued records relating to Maidstone and Canterbury prisons, the earliest dating to 1814 🏦⚖️ 🔎 Read more about the Prison Commission collection: www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1352450470414513&set=a.409260708066832 ☟ See PR/Md/3/2/2 #CrimeAndPunishment #History #Kent

Shown here are entries from a nominal register recording male and female admissions to Maidstone Prison [ref. PR/Md/3/2/2]

Among those offending on the 21st July 1884:

- Ellen, a 16 year old fieldworker. In Chatham, she committed the offence of being drunk and was sentenced to 5 days of hard labour or pay 9/-.

- John, a 52 year old gardener. In Malling, he committed the offence of stealing potatoes and was sentenced to 14 days of hard labour or pay 18/6.

- John, a 28 year old soldier. In Sheerness, he committed the offence of murder and was 'detained during Her Majesty's pleasure'. A note states that he was later 'removed to Broadmoor'.

- David, a 30 year old labourer. In Tunbridge Wells, he committed the offences of vagrancy/neglecting his family and was sentenced to 1 month of hard labour.

- William, a 57 year old labourer. In Tunbridge Wells, he committed the offence of being drunk and disorderly and was sentenced to 10 days of hard labour.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· 16d

🗞️ Summer 2026 newsletter: www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter Enjoy articles about the Bowra Family of #Sevenoaks, newly catalogued collections inc. the records of #Maidstone Swimming club (image), our document display for the #NationalYearOfReading, and the retirement of Dr Mark Ballard.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· 20d

J is for… #JapaneseTissue Handmade using traditional Japanese papermaking fibres and available in a range of weights, it's favoured by conservators for repairs and mounting owing to its tear strength, chemical stability and visually unobtrusive qualities. #KAconservationAtoZ

Shown here is a scrapbook of ephemera pertaining to the Maidstone Ladies’ Speakers’ Club, 1983–1990 [ref. Ch146/M2/1]

It was necessary to remount much of the scrapbook's contents owing to the compiler's use of Blu Tack – a temporary adhesive putty which can fuse to documents and leave an oily residue if left in situ. We carefully removed this using a spatula, scalpel and tweezers.

Whilst we used polyester corners to secure the photographs, we opted for a type of Japanese tissue called Tengu to remount the paper ephemera. Made from kozo (bark fibre from paper mulberry) and weighing only 5 gsm, Tengu can be purchased as a 15 mm tape conveniently pre-coated in a water activated starch adhesive. Tearing as opposed to cutting Japanese tissue creates a feathered edge that blends with a document's fibres for a discreet repair.

Japanese tissue is also used for mending tears, reinforcing weaknesses, infilling losses, backing fragile documents, hinging loose material and mounting for display.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· 22d

Proceedings ended on a high note with the sounding of #Dover’s #medieval Burghmote Horn 📯 The 16th-century instrument was historically used to summon civic assemblies, convene meetings of the borough authorities, and gather Dover’s freemen when communal action was required.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· 22d

Back in June, Kent Archives attended a major two-day conference exploring the history of the #CinquePorts from the 13th century to the present day, hosted in the medieval splendour of the Stone Hall at Maison Dieu, #Dover ⚓️ 🔎 Read more about the event: www.facebook.com/KentArchives...

Shown here is Justin Croft (antiquarian book dealer) giving a presentation at the Cinque Ports Conference 2026. Attendees are seated in the medieval Stone Hall at Dover's Maison Dieu.

Saturday 27th June 2026

Shown here is Dr Mark Bateson (Engagement Officer) showing an attendee the 1392 Act of the Brodhull, with its six wax seals of the ports of Hastings, Winchelsea, Rye, Romney, Hythe and Sandwich [ref. Do/CPb1]

Saturday 27th June 2026

Shown here are mayors and officials of the Confederation of Cinque Ports walking in procession through the medieval Stone Hall at Dover's Maison Dieu.

Saturday 27th June 2026

Kent Archives@kentarchives· 26d

Our thanks to Dr Michelle Crowther and everyone who attended her lunchtime talk earlier this week on the literary works of S. C. Nethersole 📖✍️ This talk was given to celebrate the #NationalYearOfReading — a nationwide initiative by @literacytrust.org.uk encouraging people to read more for pleasure.

Dr Michelle Crowther presents her lunchtime talk at Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone.

About the talk:
Susie Colyer Nethersole (1869-1956) was the author of eight novels set in East Kent and was one of the first authors signed by Mills and Boon in 1908. This talk will explore her works and consider the ways in which she wrote about the Kentish landscape. Although born into a farming family, Nethersole admitted that she had 'never actually gone out with the hoe herself’; however, her attention to detail is finely observed, with the colours of the fields, the flowers, the seasons and the weather creating a rich tableau which her characters inhabit.

Nevertheless, her stories are not chocolate-boxy, but grittily realistic. Rural life is tough, and characters struggle as well as thrive, as modernity threatens their traditions. For Nethersole this was her world, albeit often as an observer, but that world could also be grey and monotonous, and it is her 'warts and all' portrayal of Kent's rural past that marks her out as more than just a writer of romance fiction.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Jul 8

Back in May, we hosted a visit from the #BoughtonMonchelsea group of the Trefoil Guild - a branch of Girlguiding UK comprising 20,000+ members belonging to over 1,000 guilds across the nation 🫱🏾‍🫲🏻 🔎 Read about their behind-the-scenes tour of Kent Archives: www.facebook.com/KentArchives...

Shown here are ladies from the Boughton Monchelsea group of the Trefoil Guild, exploring one of our Strong Rooms during a behind-the-scenes tour at Kent Archives, Maidstone.

Wednesday 20th May 2026

Shown here is Dr Mark Bateson (Engagement Officer) with ladies from the Boughton Monchelsea group of the Trefoil Guild. They're photographed at the entrance to our Search Room during a behind-the-scenes tour at Kent Archives, Maidstone.

Wednesday 20th May 2026

Shown here are ladies from the Boughton Monchelsea group of the Trefoil Guild, standing with our van during a behind-the-scenes tour at Kent Archives, Maidstone.

Wednesday 20th May 2026

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Jun 24

Next lunchtime talk: Monday 13th July, 1-2pm ''I looked at the grey of it then, I lived in the grey of it now': The rural fiction of S. C. Nethersole' presented by Dr Michelle Crowther Reserve your free seat: 📧 archives@kent.gov.uk ☎️ 03000 420 673 @literacytrust.org.uk #NationalYearOfReading2026

Shown here is a tinted postcard depicting a view of the Parish Hall at Barham. Published by J. G. Charlton, Photographer, Canterbury. Postmark dated 1909 [ref. KHLC-IMG/PO/1/BAM/UNCAT/1]

About the talk:
Susie Colyer Nethersole (1869-1956) was the author of eight novels set in East Kent and was one of the first authors signed by Mills and Boon in 1908. This talk will explore her works and consider the ways in which she wrote about the Kentish landscape. Although born into a farming family, Nethersole admitted that she had 'never actually gone out with the hoe herself’; however, her attention to detail is finely observed, with the colours of the fields, the flowers, the seasons and the weather creating a rich tableau which her characters inhabit. As one reviewer wrote: ‘here are people who are, bone and flesh, farming folk, in a countryside that is as freshly English as they are’.

Nevertheless, her stories are not chocolate-boxy, but grittily realistic. Rural life is tough, and characters struggle as well as thrive, as modernity threatens their traditions. For Nethersole this was her world, albeit often as an observer, but that world could also be grey and monotonous, and it is her 'warts and all' portrayal of Kent's rural past that marks her out as more than just a writer of romance fiction.

Dr Michelle Crowther is an Academic Librarian at Canterbury Christ Church University and a co-lead of the Kent Maps Online project. Her doctoral thesis explores the works of the Persistent Scribblers Society, a Canterbury-based manuscript magazine society from the 1870s. Her research interests include Victorian and Edwardian literature, manuscript magazines, biography, rural writers, and nineteenth century Canterbury.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Jun 23

Last Saturday, Dr Mark Bateson of Kent Archives attended the opening of #Wye Heritage Centre. Trustee Michael Payne led a tour of the archive room and exhibition space, the latter showcasing artefacts from Wye College and the parish. 🔎 Plan your visit: www.wyeheritage.org.uk

Shown here is an exterior view of Wye Heritage Centre.

Saturday 20th June 2026

Shown here is the exhibition space at Wye Heritage Centre. Here you'll find a display of artefacts relating to Wye College and the parish.

Among these includes the ancient parish chest in which the so-called 'Old Book of Wye' was rediscovered. This is one of the earliest known volumes of churchwardens' accounts (covering the period 1515-1663). It is now held at Canterbury Cathedral Archives, among the St. Gregory and St. Martin parish records.

Saturday 20th June 2026

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Jun 9

Yesterday we enjoyed an illuminating presentation on the use of silk in #medieval charters and the craftswomen responsible 📜🪡🧵 Our thanks to Sue for bringing her knowledge, enthusiasm and wonderful wardrobe to the event! 🔎 Learn more about Sue's work: www.facebook.com/Medieval.Needle.Kent.UK

Sue Lamberton wears medieval attire to present her lunchtime talk at Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone.

About the talk:
What comes to mind first, at first glance of an ancient document or book? That it’s an incredible survivor? That the handwriting is tiny, beautiful, or in an unfamiliar language? That it may be embellished with illuminated letters with gorgeous colours of deep pigments and burnished gold? That there’s a surviving seal or even multiple seals?
For the textile lover however, focus on these wonderful things can fade when encountering the tantalising addition of an original ribbon, braid or embroidered seal bag and the thoughts of how, where, and by whom it was made.

Sue Lamberton is an independent scholar with a particular interest in the silkwomen of London, who demonstrates, teaches and makes silk textiles for museums and historic sites, the performing arts industry and living history.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· May 26

Can't stand the heat? Escape the sizzling streets and step into our Search Room… 🏃🏻‍♀️💨☀️ With our climate controls and extensive historical collections, Kent Archives might just be the coolest place to visit in #Maidstone! 😎 We're open from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Shown here is a photograph of the Search Room at Kent Archives. We're based at Kent History and Library Centre on James Whatman Way, Maidstone.

Our Search Room is equipped with climate controls designed to preserve our collections whilst they are being accessed by the public, with the added bonus of keeping the space pleasantly cool during the summer months.

We’re open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Documents can be ordered until 4pm, and we kindly ask that anything being viewed is returned to the Search Room Supervisor no later than 4:45pm, ensuring our team has enough time to return items to the strong rooms before closing.

We advise booking a desk to avoid disappointment. However, we are happy to accommodate non‑booked readers if space allows.

To book your visit, contact us at archives@kent.gov.uk — we’ll be happy to check our desk availability and guide you through the process of being authorised to access our collections.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· May 21

Next lunchtime talk: Monday 8th June, 1-2pm 📍 Kent History and Library Centre, #Maidstone 'Hidden in plain sight: silk textiles in #medieval charters' presented by Sue Lamberton – Independent scholar. Book your free seat today: 📧 archives@kent.gov.uk ☎️ 03000 420 673

Shown here is a pendant seal with silk cords from an inspeximus of original royal letters patent dated at Westminster, 24th October, 1 Henry [V, 1413], 1423-1424 [ref. Ly/5/1/5]

About the talk:
What comes to mind first, at first glance of an ancient document or book? That it’s an incredible survivor? That the handwriting is tiny, beautiful, or in an unfamiliar language? That it may be embellished with illuminated letters with gorgeous colours of deep pigments and burnished gold? That there’s a surviving seal or even multiple seals?
For the textile lover however, focus on these wonderful things can fade when encountering the tantalising addition of an original ribbon, braid or embroidered seal bag and the thoughts of how, where, and by whom it was made.

Sue Lamberton is an independent scholar with a particular interest in the silkwomen of London, who demonstrates, teaches and makes silk textiles for museums and historic sites, the performing arts industry and living history.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· May 19

…and here you'll find records in the hand of #CharlesDickens, #OscarWilde, #JaneAusten and #ChristopherMarlowe 📜👀 The campaign promotes a simple message: “If you're into it, read into it” — and what better way to bring a subject you love to life than at your local archive?

Shown here is a photograph of the right-hand display cabinet outside the Search Room at Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone.

It currently contains a display curated to celebrate the National Year of Reading, including original manuscripts by Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen and Christopher Marlowe.

To decorate the cabinet, we’ve added miniature bunting inspired by the blue plaques affixed to buildings that indicate a notable person’s connection to a place. Our plaques shine a spotlight on literary figures and their links to locations across Kent.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· May 19

Did you know that 2026 is the #NationalYearofReading? To celebrate, we've curated a display of original manuscripts exploring Kent's literary connections ✍️ In this cabinet, you'll find documents penned by #JohnDonne, #RobertBurns, #AgathaChristie and #SiegfriedSassoon…

Shown here is a photograph of the left-hand display cabinet outside the Search Room at Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone.

It currently contains a display curated to celebrate the National Year of Reading, including original manuscripts by John Donne, Robert Burns, Agatha Christie and Siegfried Sassoon.

To decorate the cabinet, we’ve added miniature bunting inspired by the blue plaques affixed to buildings that indicate a notable person’s connection to a place. Our plaques shine a spotlight on literary figures and their links to locations across Kent.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· May 15

Dr David Smith’s presentation explored how the Gypsy/Traveller community of #Kent — the largest in the UK — was impacted by the post‑war accommodation crisis, the actions that followed, and how these have shaped the community’s present‑day distribution and living arrangements 🚐🏡

Dr David Smith presents his lunchtime talk at Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone.

About the talk:
Kent has the UK’s biggest Gypsy/Traveller population and was at the forefront of efforts to address the accommodation crisis facing these communities in the post-war period. This talk will examine the impact and implementation of the 1960 and 1968 (Pt. II) Caravan Acts in Kent, focusing especially on Maidstone, and will use local authority and press sources to consider the factors determining who, where and how itinerants were accommodated and their enduring impacts at the local level.

Dr David Smith is a Reader in Social Policy. His research aims to document the experience of minority and underprivileged communities including Roma, Gypsies and Travellers, foreign workers in the NHS, and working class localities affected by public policy and housing development.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· May 5

Next lunchtime talk: Monday 11th May, 1-2pm 'The 1960s Caravan Acts and the settlement of Kent's Gypsy/Traveller communities' presented by Dr David Smith of @angliaruskin.bsky.social University. Book your free seat today: 📧 archives@kent.gov.uk ☎️ 03000 420 673 #What'sOn #Maidstone #Kent

Shown here is a sepia photographic negative capturing a scene of caravans and trucks parked at Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, 13th May 1966 [collection ref. KHLC-2018/56]. Photograph copyright KM Media Group Ltd.

About the talk:
Kent has the UK’s biggest Gypsy/Traveller population and was at the forefront of efforts to address the accommodation crisis facing these communities in the post-war period. This talk will examine the impact and implementation of the 1960 and 1968 (Pt. II) Caravan Acts in Kent, focusing especially on Maidstone, and will use local authority and press sources to consider the factors determining who, where and how itinerants were accommodated and their enduring impacts at the local level.

Dr David Smith is a Reader in Social Policy. His research aims to document the experience of minority and underprivileged communities including Roma, Gypsies and Travellers, foreign workers in the NHS, and working class localities affected by public policy and housing development.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 29

Have yet to read the latest news from Kent Archives? 🗞️ Spring 2026 newsletter: www.kentarchives.org.uk/archive-newsletter/ In this edition, peruse our upcoming lunchtime talks, enjoy a tale from our vehicle licence registers, and take a detailed dive into a recent preventative conservation project.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 28

Yesterday we took to the streets of #Maidstone with our colleagues from Kent Libraries to give the local area a spring clean. Our thanks to Maidstone Borough Council for providing the equipment, and Mother Nature for the glorious sunshine! 🌤️ 🗑️ Get involved today: maidstone.gov.uk/home/primary...

Shown here is a photograph of (from left) Mike, Lindsay, Victoria, Caitlin and James from the Kent Libraries and Archives teams, collecting litter along the towpath leading to the Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone.

Shown here is a photograph of (from left) Georgia, Jodie, Abigail, Millie, Sheelagh and Alice from the Kent Libraries and Archives teams, collecting litter in the vicinity of Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone.

Shown here is a photograph of (from left) Hannah, Gareth, Mark and Lara from the Kent Archives team, collecting litter in the tree-covered area between James Whatman Way and Fairmeadow, Maidstone.

Shown here is a photograph capturing just a few of the numerous bags of rubbish that were collected during the litter pick. After completing the litter pick, we contacted Maidstone Borough Council and informed them of the waste's location, to ensure quick collection by the refuse team.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 24

We've got sticky notes, pencils and microphones at the ready to capture your memories of Sittingbourne Paper Mill 🗣️🎙️📝 Join us at #Sittingbourne Library this afternoon — we'll be here until 4:30pm and look forward to taking a trip down memory lane with you… 💭

Shown here are display boards presenting a selection of original photographs from the Sittingbourne Paper Mill collection [fonds ref. U3843] held by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone.

Shown here is Dr Mark Bateson (Engagement Officer) assisting a visitor with documenting their memories of Sittingbourne Paper Mill.

Shown here are visitors attending the event at Sittingbourne Library. They're viewing display boards presenting a selection of original photographs from the Sittingbourne Paper Mill collection [fonds ref. U3843] held by Kent Archives and Local History Service, Maidstone.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 16

Can you help us enhance our cataloguing of the Sittingbourne Paper Mill collection? Former employees and anyone with an interest in the mill are invited to a special event at #Sittingbourne Library on Friday 24th April, 11am - 4:30pm 🏭 More info: kentlra.qrplanet.com/fbarchivessittingbourne2026

Image: a man operates a machine comprising large rollers at Sittingbourne Paper Mill (Bowaters), 26th November 1973.

Following the success of our event last October aiming to enhance our cataloguing of the Sittingbourne Paper Mill collection, Kent Archives is returning to Sittingbourne Library on Friday 24th April, 11am - 4:30pm.

Former employees and anyone interested in the history of the mill are warmly invited to join us and view a display of historical photographs and documents. Maybe you can identify members of staff, or recognise different types of machinery? Impart your knowledge to our team – we'd love to hear from you!

We're also keen to capture your memories of the mill through oral history interviews, if you might like to take part. We might not have time or resources to interview you during the event but hope to come back at a later date to complete this.

If you would like to give an interview, please email our engagement officer, Mark Bateson: mark.bateson@kent.gov.uk

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 14

In his lunchtime talk yesterday, Tony Fairman examined four letters held by Kent Archives which demonstrate the consequences of the different educations received by a labourer's son and gentleman's son in the early 19th century. Thank you for an insightful presentation, Tony! ✍️

About the talk:
'The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there.'
- L. P. Hartley

After the dissolution of the monasteries, the UK gentry organised most schooling of reading and writing, to prepare children for 'that state of life, unto which it shall please God to call me' (Church of England catechism) – classical instruction for their own children and, from the Industrial Revolution, mechanical drills for children 'called to a mechanical state of life' – until the late nineteenth century.

In this talk, Tony Fairman will examine four letters held by Kent Archives which demonstrate the consequences of two different educations and schoolings. Of the four letters, two were written by a labourer's son (aged 19-20, in the fourth and fifth years of his five-year apprenticeship to a watchmaker and silversmith) to his parish overseer, dated 1821-22; and two were written by a gentleman's son (aged 7-8, in his first two years at boarding school) to his parents, dated 1834-35.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 14

We were delighted to speak to so many of you at our stall last Saturday, promoting our archive service at #Maidstone Museum's Local History Fair alongside colleagues from across the heritage sector. Our thanks to Maidstone Museum for hosting a wonderful event!

Shown here is Dr Mark Bateson (Archive Engagement Officer) representing Kent Archives at Maidstone Museum's Local History Fair, Saturday 11th April 2026. He was joined by colleague Alice Imperatori (Archive Services Officer – not in photograph).

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 11

Join Mark and Alice from Kent Archives at #Maidstone Museum's Local History Fair, taking place today from 10am to 3pm. Learn about our collections and services, view a small selection of original documents, and discover other heritage organisations from across the county 🤝

Shown here is a promotional graphic advertising Maidstone Museum's Local History Fair.

The event is taking place on Saturday 11th April 2026, from 10am - 3pm, and will be attended by historical societies, museums, and heritage organisations from across Kent.

Maidstone Museum is located at St Faiths Street, ME14 1LH.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 2

Kent Archives will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday whilst our team consumes copious amounts of chocolate, but we'll be open as usual this Saturday 4th April. Feel free to hop into our Search Room — just remember to leave any #Easter eggs in the lockers… 🐰🍫

Shown here is a graphic displaying Kent Archives' opening hours for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Friday 3rd – Monday 6th April 2026.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Apr 1

Next lunchtime talk: Monday 13th April, 1-2pm '"The past is a foreign country": schooling and writing in early nineteenth century Kent' presented by Tony Fairman – Independent scholar Book your free seat today: 📧 archives@kent.gov.uk ☎️ 03000 420 673 #Education #History #Kent

About the talk:

'The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there.'
– L. P. Hartley, 1953

After the dissolution of the monasteries, the UK gentry organised most schooling of reading and writing, to prepare children for 'that state of life, unto which it shall please God to call me' (Church of England catechism) – classical instruction for their own children and, from the Industrial Revolution, mechanical drills for children 'called to a mechanical state of life' – until the late nineteenth century.

By comparing four letters held by Kent Archives, which two boys wrote, we see some consequences of two different educations and schoolings: 1) the first and last of eight letters, which a labourer's son (aged 19-20, in the fourth and fifth years of his five-year apprenticeship to a watchmaker and silversmith) wrote to his parish overseer, dated 1821-22; and 2) the first and last of five letters, which a gentleman's son (aged 7-8, in his first two years at boarding school) wrote to his parents, dated 1834-35.

Tony Fairman was trained in linguistics for teaching English as a second or foreign language, and taught for many years in Africa. For the past 20+ years he has researched and published on LALPs (Letters of Artisans and the Labouring Poor) applying to English parishes for poor relief, from 1750-1834. He is also interested in anything written by children during the same period.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Mar 26

I is for… #IronGallInk Made from oak gall tannic acid and iron salts, this ink was favoured by European scribes for over 1400 years owing to its permanence and ease of manufacture. Over time it can deteriorate, causing a type of substrate loss known as lacing. #KAconservationAtoZ

Shown here is part of the will of John Hawke of Garlinge in the parish of Petham, made 1604 and proved 1606 [ref. PRC/32/41]

The scribe used an ink made from the tannic acid of oak galls; growths formed by the tree in reaction to hosting the eggs of gall wasps.

Combining tannic acid with iron salts and a binder creates a dark ink which, today, appears purple/brown-black in colour. Many pre‑20th century manuscripts held by Kent Archives are written in this ink – favoured by European scribes for its permanence, water resistance and ease of manufacture.

However, iron gall ink becomes acidic over time and can oxidise due to excess iron in the ink formulation, causing weakening of the substrate upon which it has been used. At first, diffused halos develop around written text, followed by the ink striking through the document, leaving a shadowy impression on the verso. Eventually, the ink etches into the substrate to such an extent that material loss occurs, often referred to as lacing.

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Mar 18

We recently said farewell to João who has volunteered with us for several months, transcribing the late-19th century nominal registers from our #Maidstone Prison collection. Thank you for all your hard work, João! You'll be greatly missed and we wish you every success for the future.

Shown here is João, a former volunteer at Kent Archives. He can be seen in our Search Room, transcribing one of the late-19th century nominal registers from our Maidstone Prison collection [sub-fonds ref. PR/Md]

From hosting reading groups to providing customers with IT support and developing resources to aid historical research, the Time2Give scheme offers members of the public the opportunity to volunteer at Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives.

For further information and to submit an application, visit:

www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/clubs-and-activities-in-libraries/volunteer-in-libraries-and-archives

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Mar 10

Our thanks to Mark Ballard for launching this year's lunchtime talks programme with an insightful presentation on using title deeds to aid historical research. Did you know that we're now selling de-accessioned books at our talks? Have a browse when you next attend 📚👀

Mark Ballard presents his lunchtime talk at Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone.

About the talk:
Kent Archives' guide, 'How to Research the History of Your House', outlines the sources available at Kent Archives for researching properties, including deeds proving title to land, whether built upon or not. Mark will explain how to locate and interpret title deeds, discuss their limitations, and show how other sources may be used to supplement them. He will also demonstrate how title deeds can aid research into historic houses that no longer exist, using the Tonbridge abode of Jane Austen’s grandfather, William Austen, as an example.

Mark Ballard has worked for Kent Archives since 1991, with an interlude at Tower Hamlets Archives working on title deeds for its National Lottery Fund-supported Land and Lives project and the Survey of London volumes on Whitechapel. He has published articles about Jane Austen’s Kent relatives, including 'Tales of Inheritance from West Kent' in 'Jane Austen's Geographies', edited by Robert Clark (Routledge, 2018).

Kent Archives@kentarchives· Mar 2

Announcing our first lunchtime talk of 2026! Monday 9th March, 1-2pm: 'Using title deeds to research historic buildings, and to trace lost houses' presented by Mark Ballard – Archivist at Kent Archives. Book your free seat today: 📧 archives@kent.gov.uk ☎️ 03000 420 673