Eastry, Kent

Eastry is a historic village in Kent, located about two and a half miles southwest of Sandwich. Its name, derived from Old English, means “eastern province,” reflecting its early significance. The village sits on the ancient Roman road from Dover to Richborough Castle and was once the site of a Saxon royal palace, linked to the legend of King Ecgberht of Kent and the tragic murder of his cousins within its walls. The palace grounds are believed to be where Eastry Court now stands, adjacent to the parish church.

The Grade I listed parish church of St Mary the Virgin houses a brass standard bushel measure dating back to 1792, offering a glimpse into the village’s historical practices. Eastry also has a notable industrial past connected to the East Kent Light Railway, established in the early 20th century to serve local coal mines. Although the railway and mines eventually closed, the village remains part of the Miner’s Way Trail, which links the coalfield parishes of East Kent.

Windmills have long been a feature of Eastry’s landscape, with three still standing today. One of the former mills, known as the Upper Mill, has been converted into a residence. The village’s rich heritage is further marked by several listed buildings and its connections to notable figures such as Sir James Broadwood Lyall, a British administrator during the Raj, and Wing Commander Robert Stanford Tuck, who lived in Eastry during his retirement.