East Barming, Kent, England

Hall Place

The family of At-Hall during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377) sold Hall Place to the Culpepers of Preston Hall (probably Sir Jeffrey Culpeper^5a or Sir William Culpeper^6a), who subsequently sold it to Sampson Mascall of Brenchley. (Hasted IV-389)

Hall Place Location: 0.5 miles W of East Farleigh, just S of the B2010.

National Grid Coordinates: TQ 718 548

St. Margaret's Church, East Barming

Ancient Parish.
Original registers from 1541.

The involvement of the Culpepers in this parish is unknown. Further research is needed.

East Barming

Barming is a predominately residential area that has been subsumed into Maidstone and so bears little resemblance to the original village. However, it does possess a lovely wooden bridge over the Medway, which provides a starting point for a choice of riverside walks. One such walk goes to East Farleigh, hugging the river bank while steep hills rise to the south. (Hidden Places of Kent)

1831 Topographical Dictionary:
BARMING, a parish in the hundred of MAIDSTONE, lathe of AYLESFORD, county of KENT, 2½ miles SW from Maidstone, containing 406 inhabitants. The church, which has a fine spire, is dedicated to St. Margaret. The river Medway, over which, at St. Helen's, there is a timber bridge, runs through the parish. The soil in the neighborhood is peculiarly adapted for the cultivation of hops, and a large quantity of fruit is sent to the London markets.

Commentary on the 1831 Topographical Dictionary Entry
By D. A. H. Cleggett, Historical Adviser and Archivist, Leeds Castle Foundation, 28 Aug 2000:

Events have moved since the publication of the 1831 Topographical Dictionary. There is not a wooden bridge over the Medway at St. Helen's. The river is spanned by a utilitarian metal footbridge. Hops are not now grown in any quantity in this or any other parish in Kent.

East Barming Location: On the A-26, 2 miles W of Maidstone, 10 miles N of Goudhurst.