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.

What’s new?

95 Udimore Road
95 Udimore Road

Located in Rye in the East Sussex region, 95 Udimore Road has a terrace.

Listed in: Bed and Breakfast

Attractions and Activities

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

1066 Country Walk

Enjoy the exhilarating 1066 Country Walk from or to Rye. The whole walk to Pevensey takes four days, allowing time to visit the places of interest on the way, or you can go from Rye to Battle or vice versa … more

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

Accommodation

River Haven Hotel

A Warm welcome awaits you at the River Haven Hotel & Restaurant. This family run comfortable Hotel of 22 en-suite rooms in the Ancient town of Rye is situated on the Strand Quay over looking the River Tillingham. Our conservatory … 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

Flushing House

This fascinating Grade II* listed house of immense historical interest was built around 1520 and boasts the original Tudor turning staircase.it was also extensively used in the Mapp and Lucia filming in Rye. Flushing House has a Gold Award given … more

Restaurants

The Mermaid Inn

One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more

The Ship Inn

In the centre of the small, charming town of Rye, the Ship is a modern take on the traditional English inn – a cosy pub, rich in original character, with simple, comfortable en suite rooms above. Originally built in 1592, … more

Webbe’s at the Fish Café

Welcome to Webbe’s in Rye. A vibrant lively restaurant atmosphere with open plan kitchen area where you can view your meal in its creation, for serious diners and families alike. This upbeat eatery will meet your every need when you … more

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