Often we are looking at elements of history all around us but not the one place we walk all the time - beneath our feet! There are many examples showing the history of the local area and how it has developed and changed over the years. Some of the manhole and utility covers show the names and dates of long gone companies but do reflect the changes over the years. Next time you are out have a look beneath your feet and see what you can spot!
The cover below shows CDWW, 1948. I believe this is Chatham and District Water Works and would be one of the older water mains in the area when some of the new estates were being built along Maidstone Road.
The cover below shows CDWW, 1955, again showing the likely ages of the roads that were built after the Second World War.
A later one then follows with RWC - presumably Rainham Water Company
Finally a reminder of the old Borough of Gillingham, now consumed into Medway Council unitary authority.
Maps of Rainham Kent over the years. These maps show how Rainham Kent has grown in size over the last 150 years.
Rainham Mark c1869
Programme for Rainham Horticultural Society Show 1957
The scans below are of the Programme for Rainham Horticultural Society Show 1957. They show some of the local businesses in Rainham Kent that were operating in 1957 which gives a glimpse into life in Rainham in the 1950s. Very few of these local traders are still operating in Rainham.
Click on the pages to see a larger version. Notice the adverts for Watts The Chemist and other shops that have since closed.
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Click on the pages to see a larger version. Notice the adverts for Watts The Chemist and other shops that have since closed.
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Action Forum is a free monthly magazine that is distributed to the Rainham area covering Wigmore, Parkwood and Hempstead as well. This archive covers old copies of the magazine dating back to its initial publication in 1969 and give a fascinating glimpse into life in Rainham over the last 50 years.
Link to Article Index - Action Forum Index - Photos and Articles from 1969 onwards
Historical tales
Local Events
Photos
Rainham Life