This pretty little town nestled on the River Stour in Kent, just two miles from central Canterbury, is officially the smallest town in the UK. Fordwich was once the port for its larger neighbour Canterbury but today it is a quiet place, known for its historic buildings including its gorgeous timber-framed town hall. Built in 1544 it's said to be the oldest and the smallest still in use.
Though it numbers only 381 inhabitants, Fordwich is still officially a town, not a village, making it the smallest in England. It is the tiniest community by population in Britain with a town council but thanks to an interesting history, stunning surrounding countryside and amazing pub, there are often many more people passing through including famous food critics like Grace Kent and Queen Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles. Fordwich was first recorded in 675 AD. Its name means simply a settlement by a ford. It became a burgh, or designated town, during the Saxon era. Henry III granted Fordwich a borough charter, a status it maintained until 1886.
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The importance of Fordwich was based on its role as the port for Canterbury. Its importance was further recognised when it became an arm of the Cinque Port of Sandwich. This heritage is remembered each year in a 'Ship Money' ceremony
Fordwich is listed in the 1086 Domesday Book as a small village. The town grew in the Middle Ages as a port for boats on their way upriver to Canterbury. It lost its status as a town in 1880 when it no longer had a Mayor and Corporation. However, in a reorganisation in 1974, Fordwich was again made a town.
The ancient Church of St Mary's the Virgin is now redundant but open to the public. It contains part of a carved sarcophagus reputed to have contained the remains of St Augustine of Camterbury. It is a magnificent piece of medieval carving, and can be stylistically dated to the 12th century.
The town has some wonderful historic buildings, many of them timber-framed and was used as a location in the 1944 film A Canterbury Tale, by Powell and Pressburger.
The signposted Stour Valley Walk leads along the Stour from Canterbury to Fordwich, a distance of about two miles. This makes a lovely walk.
But it is the town's pub, the Fordwich Arms, a lovely old riverside inn, which is the one that boasts a Michelin star, which many visitors see as the main attraction.
It boasts a lovely 1930's bar and oak panelled dining room with three open fires. It was bought by Daniel and Natasha Smith in 2017 and is now firmly established as one of the country’s best restaurants.
Their website states: "At The Fordwich Arms you can enjoy lunch or dinner in the beautiful old pub building or, in the summer months, out on the riverside terrace. The seasonal menus focus on provenance, showcasing the best of local Kentish ingredients, sourced directly from local farms and producers. Dan's cooking is accomplished yet approachable, served in a relaxed pub environment with a choice of a la carte or tasting menus."
The tasting menus include a vegan one and a cigar one so something for everyone then!
Food critic and I'm a Celebrity contestant Grace Dent described the Fordwich Arms as "Food that makes you want to move house"
Tom Parker Bowles was in agreement adding: "Ignore the Canterbury wails... The Fordwich Arms may have gone posh, but it's worth it for the delicious new menu"
https://www.fordwicharms.co.uk
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