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Rainham

Rainham photos (11 available)

Old photo of Rainham

Rainham maps (2 available)

Old map of Rainham

Rainham books (23 available)

Rainham memories

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You can also read memories of nearby places in Kent below.

Kent memories

Jenkins Farm / My Grandparents' Orchard

I remember visiting my Grandparents orchard which was on the bend at the bottom of the hill leading into Upchurch coming in from Gillingham, and opposite was a cattle farm owned by the Jenkins family.

I spent many a wonderful weekend there up until probably the early Sixties when Grandma Young (I think her first name was Maude) moved into Rainham.

Does anyone else remember these times and maybe my family?

My Mum and Dad along with the rest of the family helped in the orchards, their names were Bill and Win and they worked alongside my mum's brother who I only knew as Uncle Son.

The Jenkins' farm always intrigued me as a youngster and they ...read more here
A memory of Upchurch contributed by Steve Tallamy

Jezreels Tower

I was born within walking distance of the Jezreels Tower which dominated the skyline & was always a source of fascination for growing children. As there was little traffic in those days we were allowed to play in the streets and wander at will. Whenever possible we would make our way up Canterbury Street to the ruins of the tower and dare each other to explore around it. I remember an old gentleman in a long sweeping coat and wide-brimmed hat who was regularly to be seen around Gillingham. He had the distinctive beard and long pigtail of hair hanging down his back - he was one of the last of the Jezreelite sect still living in the area. The ...read more here
A memory of Gillingham contributed by Doreen Swain

My short life in Gillingham, Kent

I was born in a naval nursing home called "Canada House" on the 18th November 1954. I was the first child and boy - I was spoilt. I went to school at Byron Road Infants school until I was 6 then we moved to Swalecliffe in Kent. I was 5 years old and both my mother and grandmother took me to play and have a picnic on the "Darland Banks". We walked from the "Jezerals" along the top road, and up to the "banks". I was very excited I seem to remember.
We belonged to Green Street Tabernacle Baptist Church, we attended Church regularly. I remember being a bridesmaid to my mother's friend Doreen. My paternal grandma lived in Richmond Road ...read more here
A memory of Gillingham contributed by frances fagg

Trying to find

Chatham, University of Greenwich, fromerly HMS Pembroke 2005

My Father left Kent to go to Australia with the little brother movement in 1916. His name was Lenard Hurbert Jeffery, and I was wondering is there any way of tracing his home address?
A memory of Chatham contributed by Pete Jeffery

Extracts From Rainham & Kent books

Rainham, the Church c1960

The tower stands tall and proud, and it is not difficult to understand why St Margaret's was one of several beacons forming a connection with other churches from London to the coast. Built in 1488, the tower is constructed of Kentish ragstone; the east wall of the chancel is 11th-century. Parish records are kept in a rare 14th-century chest in the Tufton chapel.
An extract from from"Kent Revisited Photographic Memories".

Brompton, the Gordon Memorial and R E Institute 1894

The expansion of the dockyard, the building of permanent military installations and the garrisoning of large numbers of troops in the area enabled the population of Chatham to overtake that of Rochester.
An extract from from"Chatham & The Medway Towns".

Leeds Castle, 1892

This view looks towards the Gloirette; on the left can be seen the main building. In this picture, the magnificent location of the Castle, surrounded by its enchanting lake, is clearly seen.
An extract from from"Maidstone Photographic Memories".

Leeds Castle, 1892

A superb view of the main building and the Gloirette. Although the Castle appears to be medieval, its turrets and battlements in fact date from a rebuilding in the late 1820s. The lake is part of the river Len.
An extract from from"Maidstone Photographic Memories".

Maidstone, Leeds Castle c1955

The main building dominates the picture, together with the Gloirette on the left. At this time, the castle was still in private hands. Today, the scene is altogether cleaner and tidier, but perhaps lacks the charm shown in this photograph.
An extract from from"Maidstone Photographic Memories".