Kingston, Kent

Kingston is a village and civil parish nestled between Canterbury and Dover in Kent, situated on the edge of the North Downs within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, offering a picturesque setting typical of the South East England countryside.

A notable historical find from Kingston is the Kingston Brooch, an exquisite piece of 7th-century Anglo-Saxon jewellery discovered in 1771 on Kingston Downs by Reverend Bryan Faussett. This gold brooch, adorned with garnet, blue glass, and shell, is now displayed at the World Museum in Liverpool.

The village’s parish church, dedicated to Saint Giles, dates back to the 11th century. Significant parts of the nave and chancel remain from the original structure, with the chancel extended in the 13th century. The church also houses a 13th-century font, reflecting its long-standing religious heritage.

A windmill tower stands some distance from the village, hinting at Kingston’s rural past. The hamlet of Marley lies within the parish, adding to the area’s quaint charm.