1 The Renaissance Hotel is really great. Come and visit
it.
2 Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Station
Littlestone Road
New Romney Station is the headquarters of the Romney, Hythe &
Dymchurch Railway. The engine sheds, workshops and main offices
are all located here, as is the Romney Toy and Model Museum. The
15-inch gauge line runs for 14 miles across the Marsh between Hythe
and Dungeness. It was built by Capt. J.E.P. Howey, a wealthy motor
racing driver and miniature railway enthusiast. The section between
Hythe and New Romney was opened in 1927, and the extension to Dungeness
opened the following year. The engineer, architect and designer
of the Railway was Henry Greenly. He modelled the 1/3 scale steam
locomotives on the Pacifics of the London & North Eastern Railway,
such as the famous Flying Scotsman. LNER influence was also visible
in the original design of New Romney station, with its clock tower,
forecourt and track layout, which was reminiscent of King's Cross.
However, the station has been extensively altered since 1927.
more...
3 Captain Howey Hotel
Littlestone Road
This 19th century inn is now named after the founder of the Romney,
Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, Captain J.E.P. Howey. It was formerly
the Station Hotel. Nearby was the old South Eastern Railway station,
at the end of a branch from Appledore on the Ashford to Hastings
line. The railway reached Lydd in 1881 and Dungeness in 1883. The
extension from Lydd to New Romney opened in 1884. The branch carried
both freight and passengers, including visitors to the resort at
Littlestone. The line was later taken over by the Southern Railway,
who in 1937 re-aligned the route nearer the coast to serve the developing
resorts of Lydd-on-Sea and Greatstone-on-Sea. Traffic dwindled after
World War II, and the section between Dungeness and New Romney finally
closed in 1967. The remaining section still transports waste from
the nuclear power station. A trading estate has been built on the
site of the old station.
4 The Avenue
Littlestone Road
The mile-long road between New Romney and Littlestone is known locally
as "The Avenue". The northern section, Station Road, was originally
named Gun Lane. The southern section, Littlestone Road, was laid
out in the 1880s by H.T. Tubbs. Many of the elm trees which he planted
had to be felled in 1981-2 after contracting Dutch elm disease.
Some have been replaced by flowering cherries and rowans.
5 Cannon
Littlestone Road
This cannon is a reminder that south Kent has often faced the threat
of invasion. It is of a type used on the Martello towers which were
built all along the coast in the early 19th century to defend against
Napoleon. A plaque on the gun carriage bears the following inscription.
5½ inch 24 pounder Howitzer cannon Designed by General Blomefield
in the nineteenth century for use on Martello towers. Notes on iron
carriage for 5½ inch iron Howitzer The original carriage was not
present when gifted to New Romney Town Council by the Mayor, Major
M Teichman Derville OBE JP in 1930. Plans have been taken from original
documents, and the Howitzer cannon has now been placed on a skeleton
carriage used in the nineteenth century. Refurbishment of the cannon
and fabrication of the carriage has been made possible by Lyddweld
SE Ltd Steel fabricators, Lydd Another cannon, without a carriage,
is displayed outside the Sergeant's House in the High Street.
6 Jubilee Water Fountain
Littlestone Green
The pink granite water fountain was placed on the green at the instigation
of the entrepreneur Henry T. Tubbs. The inscription reads: Erected
by public subscription to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her
Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria 1897.
7 Mulberry Harbour
Off Littlestone Sea Front
At low tide, this section of the Mulberry Harbour is visible off
the coast. During World War II about 250 of these huge hollow reinforced
concrete blocks, called "Phoenix caissons", were constructed and
filled with compressed air. Some were stored in the East Bay, off
Littlestone. After D-Day they were floated across the Channel to
Normandy. Here they combined to form a large harbour where supplies
could be brought ashore for Allied troops. One of them ran aground
and never reached France.
8 Littlestone Golf Club
St Andrew's Road
The Club was established in 1888 on land bought by the entrepreneurs
Henry T. Tubbs and J. Lewis. The original Links was laid out by
the first captain, Laidlaw Purves, and since has been improved and
altered. Littlestone has hosted many major golfing events, including
the qualifying rounds when the Open Championship has been played
at Sandwich. Among the celebrities who have played here are Noel
Coward, the journalist William Deedes and politicians such as A.J.
Balfour, H.H. Asquith and Kenneth Clark. The course is a Site of
Special Scientific Interest, with a great variety of flora and fauna
to be seen.
9 Water Tower
Madeira Road
This was built in 1890 by Henry T. Tubbs to supply his properties
in Littlestone, including the Golf Club and his proposed housing
development. Tubbs wanted to turn Littlestone into a major resort,
and embarked on an ambitious building programme, including the Marine
Parade and Grand Hotel. His plans for a pier were not realised,
however, and it was eventually built at Eastbourne instead. Unfortunately
the water supply from the tower was unsuitable, because it contained
too much sea water. In 1902 the Littlestone and District Water Company
built a tower at Dungeness to supply all of New Romney, Littlestone,
Greatstone and Lydd. The tower at Littlestone fell into disuse,
but now serves as a residence.
10 Romney Bay House
Coast Road
This secluded house on the sea front was built in the 1920s for
the American film actress Hedda Hopper, who later achieved notoriety
as a Hollywood gossip columnist. The architect was Sir Clough Williams-Ellis,
creator of the famous Italianate village of Portmeirion in North
Wales. It was originally painted bright yellow, and was nicknamed
the "Mustard Pot". It is now a hotel.
11 Littlestone Inshore Lifeboat
A lifeboat was first stationed at Littlestone in 1861 when the "Providence"
was moved from Dungeness. The station closed again in 1928, and
the lifeboat, the fifth to serve here, was moved to Hythe. Records
show that it had only three service launches during sixteen years
at Littlestone. However, in 1966 a smaller, lighter craft was positioned
here. The present lifeboat, the fourth, is an Atlantic 21 type which
arrived in 1988. Its name, "The Lady Dart and Long Life II" honours
the fundraising activities of the ladies' darts team from the nearby
"Seahorse" pub. It carries a crew of 3, has a length of 6.9m (22ft
9in), a speed of 29 knots, and an endurance of 3 hours at maximum
speed.
12 Greatstone
At the seaward end of Dunes Road, the "Jolly Fisherman" pub marks
the heart of Greatstone, which lies at the centre of the residential
development stretching along the coast from Littlestone to Lydd-on-Sea.
Before the sea receded Greatstone marked the southern shore of the
entrance to Romney harbour. Like Camber, it has extensive sand dunes
covered with marram grass, which provide a haitat for a variety
of wildlife. In 1937 the Southern Railway opened a station near
here on its New Romney branch, but the line closed in 1967. There
is still a Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway station serving
"Romney Sands" holiday camp. Nearby can be seen the concrete remains
of the experimental sound reflectors put up by the War Department
during the 1930s.
13 Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
Half Mile Curve
The footpath through the Shrubs between Church Lane and Dunes Road
crosses a stretch of the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway known
as Half Mile Curve. The line between Hythe and New Romney opened
in 1927, and the Dungeness extension, of which this is part, in
1928. Originally there were two tracks here, but after the Second
World War the line between New Romney and Dungeness was singled.
A short distance to the north, parallel to the RH&DR, is the
course of the South Eastern Railway standard gauge branch line from
Appledore to New Romney, which was closed in 1967.
14 Maude Memorial Grounds
Station Road
These grounds were left to the town for use by sports teams in 1925
by Alderman F.W. Maude. Maude was President of New Romney's football
and cricket clubs, and both still play matches here. There is also
a croquet lawn. Hockey, however, is no longer played, and the old
tennis courts were ploughed up during World War II. The Romney Revels,
an annual fun-fair, was held here until the sixties, and enjoyed
a brief revival a few years later.
15 Ship Hotel
High Street
The original Ship Hotel dates from about 1492. The present building
was constructed on earlier foundations. Below ground were tunnels
used by smugglers to hide their contraband, but these are now blocked
off. For a period during the 20th century the Ship housed a cinema,
until it moved to the Assembly Rooms in Church Approach.
16 St Nicholas' Church
Church Road
This is the only survivor of New Romney's four medieval churches.
Much of the building is Norman, apart from the top stage of the
tower and the East end, including the chancel, which date from the
14th century Decorated period. Dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra,
patron saint of sailors (and of children), it is a reminder that
the town was once a flourishing port. Ships tied up alongside the
churchyard until a great storm in 1287 diverted the course of the
River Rother away from Romney. The height of the flood waters can
still be seen from the stains on the pillars inside. The 100ft tower
holds eight bells. It formerly had a spire, which was pulled down
at the end of the 18th century.
17 Assembly Rooms
Church Approach
The Assembly Rooms were built in the 17th century to accommodate
the Courts of Brodhul (Brotherhood) and Guestling of the Cinque
Ports, which previously met in St Nicholas' Church. During the 20th
century the Assembly Rooms have been used for social functions,
society meetings and as a polling station. They also housed a cinema
for a period. At the north-west end is an old school room which
is dated 1676.
18 Burma Star Memorial
Church Road
The inscription of this memorial reads: Burma Star Association The
Romney Marsh Branch To the memory of those who died and those who
served in the Burma campaign 1941-1945 When you go home Tell them
of us And say For your tomorrow We gave our today Kohima epitaph
19 Old School
Church Lane
This was one of the first primary schools in Kent. It was built
on land left by Mrs Sarah Children in February 1820 and was funded
by public subscription. The original building consisted of four
classrooms and a two-storey house for the headmaster. After the
school moved to a new site in Fairfield Road in 1973 the building
was used for a while as a community centre but was later abandoned.
It was recently restored with the aid of a Lottery grant by the
New Romney Old School Trust. In May 2000 South Kent College moved
into the refurbished building. The school's most famous ex-pupil
is Peter Imbert, now Lord Imbert of New Romney, former Commissioner
of the Metropolitan Police.
20 New Inn
High Street
The New Inn dates from 1380, though the front of the building is
Georgian. Inside some of the fine panelling has been preserved.
A bricked up chimney breast indicates a hiding place for smugglers'
contraband. In the 18th century, when the mailcoach from Rye to
Hythe stopped here, the New Inn served as an early post office,
holding parcels for collection. The pub is reputed to be haunted.
Gas taps have been mysteriously turned on and strange noises heard.
A young woman in old-fashioned clothes was seen sitting by the fireplace.
She is said to have suddenly vanished!
21 Sergeant's House and Gaol
High Street
The Town Sergeant's House was built in 1750. Inside it still has
its old cells with their heavily studded doors. Below was a dungeon,
whose grated window can be seen outside at street level. The building
was once used as a private residence, and until 1998 housed a Tourist
Information Centre. However, the Information Centre has now moved
to premises near the church, and the Sergeant's House has reverted
to residential use. Against the wall outside is a late 17th century
cannon. Another cannon is displayed in Littlestone Road.
22 Town Hall
High Street
The original Town Hall was built in 1702 and was supported on pillars
above an arcade where a market was held. It was rebuilt around the
end of the 19th century as a plain two-storey building. The town
had municipal borough status from 1886 to 1974, when most local
government functions were moved to Shepway District Council in Folkestone.
New Romney retains its mayor, and a town council continues to meet
here, though with greatly reduced powers. Many records and artefacts
from the Town Hall's small museum were removed to Maidstone in 1974.
Still here, however, is the original flag of the Cinque Ports. Shepway
District Council offices moved to Magpies in Church Approach in
2001.
23 Cinque Ports Arms
High Street
This public house was built in the 18th century, probably on the
foundations of an earlier building. The Cinque Ports were a federation
of south-eastern ports, the original five being Hastings, Romney,
Hythe, Dover and Sandwich. They were later joined by the Antient
Towns of Winchelsea and Rye and by several associate members. In
return for providing the Sovereign with ships and sailors the Cinque
Ports were granted certain rights and privileges, which began in
the Norman era and were consolidated in a Charter granted by Edward
I in 1278. They included tax-raising and legislative powers, trade
concessions and ceremonial rights. Romney's significance as a port
diminished after a great storm in 1287 diverted the River Rother
to a new course at Rye. Afterwards the harbour began to silt up
and the sea receded, despite all efforts to prevent it. Most of
the other Cinque Ports suffered similar fates, and only Dover survives
as a port.
24 Old Stone Cottage
West Street
Parts of this building, now divided into three separate houses,
date from the 12th or 13th century. It may have belonged to a monastery
and been used to provide guest accommodation. It is set at an angle
from its neighbours on either side, perhaps indicating the original
line of the street.
25 Southland's Hospital
West Street
These cottages were left by John Southland in 1610 as an "abiding
place" or "hospital" for the elderly of New Romney. They have been
rebuilt several times since then. An inscription on the building
reads: This hospital being the gift of John Southland Gent Anno
1610 was rebuilt at the charge of Sr. Robt. Austen and Sr. Heny.
Furnele Bart. Anno 1714 And was further endowed by Thomas Baker
Gent Anno 1734 and by Richard Rothwell Daglish MRCS Anno 1908 Renovated
1975 Southland was a local landowner who also made provision in
his will for the education of local children. The Trusts he set
up are still in existence today. He is commemorated in the names
of the local comprehensive school and of a Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch
Railway diesel locomotive.
26 Gandhi Tandoori Restaurant
High Street
This was formerly a private residence. You can find there an award-winning
garden.
27 St John's Priory
Ashford Road
This stone wall is all that remains of the Cistercian Priory of
St John the Baptist, the site of one of New Romney's lost churches.
Particularly noteworthy are the carved grotesques above the doorways.
The priory, a religious foundation for men and women, was founded
around the end of the 13th century. It must have owned much of the
land between the High Street and North Street, and sent the profits
earned from that land to its mother church at Pontigny in France.
It was dissolved in 1415 and its property seized by Henry V. Eventually
the land passed into local ownership.
28 St Martin's Field
Ashford Road
On this site at the corner of Ashford Road and Fairfield Road stood
St Martin's, the oldest of New Romney's churches. It was built in
the 10th century, but was in such poor condition by 1550 that its
demolition was authorised by Archbishop Cranmer. The field has also
sometimes been known as Neames' Platt or Neames' Field after the
adjoining Neames' Bakery which was situated on the corner of Ashford
Road and the High Street. The inscription on the sundial by Fairfield
Road records that: On the 5th April 1948 this land was presented
for the use and enjoyment of the townspeople of New Romney by Alderman
John Allen Wiles JP and Mrs Jane Elizabeth Wiles, Mayor and Mayoress
1945-1954. Annual Guy Fawkes celebrations took place here until
the 1960s. Fêtes and similar events are still held here occasionally.
In Summer 2000 a "human" sundial was constructed here by students
from Southlands School to commemorate the new millennium. When someone
stands at the centre of the sundial, they cast a shadow on an arc
of stones in the ground which indicate the hour.
29 Fairfield House
Fairfield Road
This house, and the road it stands in, take their name from a nearby
field which was the site for New Romney's annual Sheep Fair. Traditionally,
on 21st August each year, sheep from across the Marsh were brought
to market here. On the day after the stock fair a general fair was
held. The rich soils of the Marsh produced vast acres of good grazing
land. In the bleak, wind-swept environment there developed a hardy
breed, which became world-famous. "Romneys" were referred to in
the Domesday Book and were later exported all over the world. Such
was the importance of the huge Marsh flocks that, upon the outbreak
of World War II, they were evacuated before the people! But in the
post-war era much of the former grazing land has been converted
to arable use and now grows crops such as oilseed rape. The New
Romney Sheep Fair has passed into history.
30 Blue Dolphins Hotel & Restaurant
Dymchurch Road
Built in 1507 as a Water Bailiff's cottage, it has been occupied
over the years by many diverse businesses. These include netmakers,
tanners, cobblers, wine merchants, a coffee house and an academy
of music. Below ground level there is a blocked doorway which may
lead to a tunnel used by smugglers.
31 Plough Inn
Dymchurch Road
The Plough Inn was built in 1776 and may have served as a Turnpike
House on the newly improved Rye to Dover road. With improved roads
came faster mailcoaches, which stopped here. There were extensive
stables so that the teams of horses could be changed. The front
of the building was designed to allow travellers to step straight
into their coach. When the coaching era ended, the Plough became
a wayside inn again, and the stables were used for storage.
32 Warren Inn
Dymchurch Road
The present building dates back to 1860, though there was an inn
here for many years before then. It is partially an example of wooden
weather-board construction, which is typical of south Kent and the
Weald. The name derives from the nearby rabbit warren. In the 19th
century the town's Rabbit Catcher operated in this area. The pub's
sign depicts one of the horse races which used to be held here and
were popular with the London gentry. The building is said to be
haunted by "Old Sid" who committed suicide in an upstairs room.
|
