Biddenden, Kent
Quite apart from the physical attractions of its
architecture and picturesque High Street - crammed with pubs,
restaurants and antique shops housed in half-timbered buildings -
there is something else here that has assured the village of a
permanent place in the history books. Way back around the
beginning of the 12th century, to of its most famous residents
were born. These were the "Biddenden Maids",
Eliza and Mary Chalkhurst, who were Siamese twins joined at the
hips. Rare enough today, the presence of Siamese twins in a
medieval community was an occurrence of unheralded novelty.
Source:
Sean Connolly, Hidden Places of Kent, 1998, page 126
1831 Topographical Dictionary
Biddenden, a
parish in the hundred of Barclay, lathe of Scray, county of Kent,
5 miles NE from Cranbrooke, containing 1544 inhabitants... The
church is dedicated to All Saints.
Location: At
the end of the A274 at the junction with the A262, 8 miles E of
Goudhurst and 13 miles SE of Maidstone.
National Grid Coordinates: TQ
848 384
All
Saints Church, Biddenden