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

St Michael’s Church

St Michael’s is mentioned in the Domesday Survey, and sits near the summit of the plateau in which much of the parish of Playden is found. The Friends of Playden Church is a registered charity dedicated to helping to maintain … more

Rye Museum: Ypres Tower

The Rye Museum has two sites, the Ypres Tower (early 14th century) and the East Street site. The Tower has had many roles in its history from a fortification to protect the town, to a private dwelling, a prison and … more

Gun Gardens

The Gun Gardens are set in-front of the Ypres (Wipers) Tower and has a battery of cannons facing out to sea. The views over the river Rother and across to the sea and Romney Marsh are well worth a visit.

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 Artist’s Cottage

The Artist’s Cottage is a beautiful Grade II listed building built in 1483. Located in the heart of Rye’s historic citadel area, this newly renovated cottage is ideally situated for exploring the town and accessing the surrounding coast and countryside. … more

Coldharbour Cottage

Coldharbour Cottage won the National Silver Award for the best Self Catering Cottage in 2010. The cottage itself has been renovated to a high standard whilst retaining many original features. The original oak beams, inglenook fireplace, old bakers oven and … more