The Old House Project, Boxley Abbey
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The Old House Project, Boxley Abbey

A playlist of some of the videos from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Old House Project working party at Boxley Abbey; a project in association with the KAS, Maidstone Area Archaeological Group (MAAG), and Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group (HAARG).

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Beauchief Wreck Divers
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Beauchief Wreck Divers

A group from neighbouring Sussex are trying to name unknown wrecks around Beachy Head and film as many as we can when weather and visibility allows before they disappear forever.

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A Disorderly Parish
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A Disorderly Parish

In 1688 the Reverend Richard Rands described Smarden as "A Disorderly Parish" so this film explores some of the more notable transgressions which have taken place in our village, ranging from treason and murder to affrays of various kinds.

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The Lion from the West
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The Lion from the West

The life story of John Sella Martin, a man born into poverty and slavery, who became a Baptist minister and a forceful proponent of abolition. In Britain his powerful oratory attracted huge crowds who came to hear him speak during the American Civil War. He spoke in Smarden in 1863.

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Wartime Memories of Smarden
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Wartime Memories of Smarden

The Rathbone family lived in Smarden at Hegg Hill during World War Two. This film is based on the fascinating memoir written by Lettice Rathbone for the Women's Institute and covers events such as the army coming back from Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and how the village prepared for invasion. Her sister Marion also wrote about village life in WW2 which you can read here.

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Smarden’s Deadly Year
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Smarden’s Deadly Year

A heroic doctor, contagion, lockdown, shocking fatalities. A scenario only too familiar to us today, but this is what happened in the Kent village of Smarden 350 years ago. This is a forgotten episode in the history of a rural village that resonates strongly with us now.

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