In 1750 the lower Medway Valley, the area between the towns of Maidstone and Rochester, was firmly part of Kent's 'Garden of England'. A century later, this tranquil, agrarian landscape had been transformed into a hive of industry and commerce, through the emergence of papermaking, cement manufacture, brickmaking, brewing, ship and barge building, seed crushing and engineering. The lower Medway Valley became synonymous with the production of Portland cement, stock bricks and the steam engines of Aveling and Porter, yet, by the end of the Second World War, much of this industry was gone. "The Medway Valley: A Kent Landscape Transformed", the first Victoria County History publication in Kent for over 75 years, charts this cyclical story of landscape change. It explores how the quiet, rural landscape of a collection of eight riverside parishes around Rochester was dramatically transformed during industrialization, before returning to its formal rural state. This volume traces the impact of industrial development and decline on the valley and its people. It details changing patterns of work and society, the creation of new settlements and the pivotal role of the river in all aspects of village life reflecting two centuries of change and upheaval.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Excellent book- well written and full of great facts.I am walking the length of the Medway and this book has helped me enjoy the whole experience.
By Sixtus
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This volume has attempted a wide survey of industry in a limited area. As one who
was brought up in the Medway valley I found it fascinating in taking me back through
the origins of the industrial sites of the area - many of which had been abandoned
by the time I encountered them (the 1940s and 50s). Where I would take issue with
the contributors is on their perhaps antedating the decline. New factories often
grew up to replace old and my visits over the past half century suggest a process of reduction rather than abolition. Some small firms have sprung up to provide local unemployment and Lafarge are planning a
new eco-friendly cement works at Snodland. Not everyone has become a commuter. Twentieth-century industry in the area is thus brushed aside perhaps too simply. Nevertheless, a valuable historical work!
was brought up in the Medway valley I found it fascinating in taking me back through
the origins of the industrial sites of the area - many of which had been abandoned
by the time I encountered them (the 1940s and 50s). Where I would take issue with
the contributors is on their perhaps antedating the decline. New factories often
grew up to replace old and my visits over the past half century suggest a process of reduction rather than abolition. Some small firms have sprung up to provide local unemployment and Lafarge are planning a
new eco-friendly cement works at Snodland. Not everyone has become a commuter. Twentieth-century industry in the area is thus brushed aside perhaps too simply. Nevertheless, a valuable historical work!
By Bonzo
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was brought up in the Medway Area and so this is a fascinating insight into the background of muck that I knew.
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