The Man of Kent, Ashford
© P.E. Blanche 1999

Although this picture was only taken earlier this year (1999), it has since changed its title and is part of a chain of pubs which means it no longer has the "Man of Kent" sign outside it.

It's certainly a shame because other pubs in other Towns with this name have also disappeared and it relates to an important part of Kentish history. The "green bough" held aloft by the Man of Kent was carried by the warriors that met William the Conquerer when he advanced into Kent after his success at the Battle of Hastings. It meant peace or war. William, not wishing to commit his forces to another battle, negotiated with the people of Kent and to this day, the County's motto is "Invicta" which translates as "Unconquered". Another result of these negotiations was that the Kent people, unlike other areas of England, were allowed to keep some of their ancient laws.

Every time the subject of Men of Kent and/or Kentish Men comes up, it causes lengthy discussion about who is which! A Man of Kent is born East of the River Medway and a Kentish Man is born West of the Medway. The only factor in this ruling that I have not been able to discover as yet, is at which point on the River Medway the line is drawn. One can only assume that it is perhaps the estuary at Rochester.