faversham kent?

Question

Hi I am going to visit this place at the weekend - any ideas what its like anyone and what there is nearby to do?

Answer 1

The Great Explosion at Faversham
At 14:20 on Sunday 2 April 1916, a huge explosion ripped through the gunpowder mill at Uplees, near Faversham, when 200 tons of TNT ignited. 109 people died in the explosion, and many were buried in a mass grave at Faversham Cemetery.

The weather might have contributed to the origins of the fire that followed on the morning of Sunday 2 April 1916. The previous month had been wet but had ended with a short dry spell so that by that Sunday the weather was "glorious" ... but provided perfect conditions for heat-generated combustion.

The munitions factory was in a remote spot in the middle of the open marshes of North Kent, next to the Thames coastline, which explains why the great explosion at about noon on 2 April was heard across the Thames estuary as far away as Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Southend-on-Sea, where domestic windows were blown out and two large plate-glass shop windows shattered.

The East Kent Gazette of Sittingbourne reported the explosion on 29 April. Although recognising the need for some censorship, it referred to the reply given in Parliament to the question as "mystifying and ambiguous" and called for the fullest precautions to be implemented to "prevent another calamity of the kind" occurring again.

Although not the first such disaster of this kind to have happened at Faversham’s historic munitions works, the April 1916 blast is recorded as "the worst ever in the history of the UK explosives industry", and yet the full picture is still somewhat confused. The reason for the fire is uncertain. And considering the quantity of explosive chemical stored at the works — with one report indicating that a further 3,000 tons remained in nearby sheds unaffected — it is remarkable, and a tribute to those who struggled against the fire that so much of the nation's munitions were prevented from contributing further to the catastrophe.

The Secretary of State for War, Earl Kitchener, had in 1914 written to the management of the CPC, and it is presumed the ELC, instructing the workforce on "the importance of the government work upon which they (were) engaged". "I should like all engaged by your company to know that it is fully recognised that they, in carrying out the great work of supplying munitions of war, are doing their duty for their King and Country, equally with those who have joined the Army for active service in the field," Kitchener said.

Answer 2

Its a quaint old town, but the brewers Shepherd Neame are probably the most unique thing about it - you can arrange visits around the brewery ending up in their own 'free' pub!!! The shops are interesting, if that what appeals to you and there's a good 'eat as much as you want' Chinese restaurent there. There's a golf club (the greens are apparently poor at the moment.) Brogdale orchard has the biggest collection of fruit trees in the world. The Harris estate at Belmont has pretty gardens and a huge collection of clocks! Or, you could visit Canterbury, you could go to the coast at Whitstable, Margate or Broadsairs. Don't know what there is going on in the evenings this time of year. Hope this helps.

Next time, I recommend going at the end of August/beginning of September to catch the Hop Festival which is quite something - the streets are filled with performers, morrismen etc and the atmospere is brill.

Answer 3

My grandma used to live near there (at Painter's Forstal). Faversham is a bit rough, but the surrounding countryside is quite nice, with loads of Oast Houses and orchards.
To be honest though, Canterbury is nicer.

Answer 4

Theres the old hop arm which is now open to visitors and is really interesting there's also some gorgeous scenery maybe just try wandering around for a bit as people don't do it enough