Reading Street

Reading Street in Kent Hamlet Guide

About Reading Street in Kent

This small hamlet quickly throws up a mystery. If it is called Reading Street, then why is the church, as well as the manor house named after Ebony – an even smaller settlement over a mile to the south west?

The answer due to the many riddles that the Romney Marsh is accountable for. Once, Reading Street – as it is now – was very much part of Ebony, and Ebony was a far larger place.

It was home to workers who constructed warships for King Henry VIII at a time when the River Rother used to flow right by here (meaning Ebony itself was an island) and nearby Smallhythe was an important port and shipbuilding centre.

Those vessels, some inspected personally by the King during construction, would have then been towed directly past Reading Street and Ebony to the sea at Rye. With the reclamation of the marshland and the river course changed, Reading Street and Ebony have become two small and distinct places, and Ebony no longer an island. Therefore although the church of St. Mary the Virgin (closed except for services on Sundays) has a sign clearly stating “Ebony Church” it is very much in Reading Street.

The main reason for visiting in the 21st Century will doubtless be Tenterden Garden Center, a family run business spread impressively over a large site which contains a popular restaurant. Kids should be directed towards the aquarium section where they can stare into dozens of eye-level tanks containing colourful and exotic species of fish.

(A mention must go to a second nursery, Pinecove, about a mile north towards Tenterden which should also be a destination for any self-respecting gardener.)

Back in Reading Street a walk south from the garden centre (along the lane that leads off the main B2080) gives you clues as to the marsh’s new agricultural role. Passing worker’s cottages you reach Old Barrack Farm before, a few meters on, the entrance to Chapel Bank Farm where there are views not only out over the flatlands but of Chapel Bank – what was once the island of Ebony. The estranged place the church is named after, and where the King’s ships were towed past on their way to war.

Attractions and Activities

Yoga with JoJo

Move | Breathe | Restore Join JoJo, founder of Yoga Creative, for classes that nourish and transform body mind and soul. Move, breathe and restore an inner sense of wellbeing this Autumn. See website for full class schedule in Rye, … more

Rye Museum: East Street

Rye Museum has two sites in the town: Ypres Tower and East Street which is the main site for exhibits and public events such as talks and coffee mornings. It houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspects of Rye life. The … more

Rye Town Hall

Built in 1742, the elegant Georgian Town Hall in Rye is an ideal venue for your special day. A unique and historic setting in the heart of Rye, the Town Hall is within walking distance, over the cobbled streets, of … more

Accommodation

Rye Windmill B&B

Rye’s white smock windmill is a grade II listed building and one of its most famous landmarks. Tucked away in one of England’s quaintest coastal towns, our welcoming Bed and Breakfast is ideally located with the High Street and the … more

The Coach House

The Coach House is the newest addition to Cadborough holiday cottages. It is recently converted and offers luxury accommodation for two people. The large spacious open plan living area is light and airy and offers everything for a comfortable, relaxing … more

Cadborough Cottages

There are four delightful one bedroom cottages, which have been lovingly renovated from the farm building at Cadborough Farm. One mile from Rye town centre yet in the heart of beautiful countryside. Peaceful location with plenty of on-site parking and … more