Faversham Open House 2018 - July 7th; 14th and 21st

Open House was the first of its kind 49 years ago, later being used as a template for the National Heritage Open Days Scheme. Our prestigious event offers a unique insight into the town’s built environment. Faversham has over 500 listed buildings, some of which will be participating this year.

A record number of 44 properties, many of which are not normally open to the public, will be taking part on the 7th 14th and 21st July.
Handbooks at £9 each will be on sale in the Visitors Information Centre in Preston Street, Faversham ME13 8NS or from Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre, 11 Court Street Faversham, ME13 7AX from the 4th June, or can be ordered by phone on 01795 534542 or by post (£11 inc p&p).

For groups of 2 to 5 people, admission to properties will be £9 for the 1st member of the group (to include one handbook) and then £5 for any additional member of the group (Programme only, no handbook). Each handbook and programme allows entry to all properties on all 3 Saturdays.
Download a list of participating properties

Past Talks and Events

Thursday 17th May at 7:30pm in Sandwich Guildhall

Dr. Ann Kneif

The Bevin Boys of the Second World War

Thursday 19th April 2018 at 7:30pm in Sandwich Guildhall

Dr. Ben Marsh

Kent and the quest to make British Silk 1600 - 1800

Event - Elsewhere in Kent

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March 2018

Roman Finds Group Canterbury Meeting at Kent University (Canterbury Campus)

Richborough and Beyond

Sandwich Refugee Week

Monday 19th to Saturday 24th March

Events & Exhibition in St.Peter's Church - Talks in The Guildhall - Film at the Empire Cinema - more in Sandwich Library and The Museum.

Thursday 15th March 2018 at 7:30pm in Sandwich Guildhall

Ms Lucyanne Curling

"Letters from my Sandwich ancestors: September 1819"

Thursday 8th March - at 7:30pm

Sandwich Guildhall Museum - Professor Louise Wilkinson lecture at Sandwich Guildhall

Sandwich and its Royal Connections Under King Henry III: The Wedding Train of Isabella the Empress

Tickets are free but as space is limited so those wanting to attend will need to register on a first come, first served basis.

Thursday 15th February 2018 at 7:30pm

Derek Murphy

The Battle of Waterloo

Thursday 18th January 2018 at 7:30pm

Annual General General Meeting

Followed by Nick Woodland on History all around us: Sandwich's Street Furniture.

Thursday 16th November 2017 at 7:30pm

Peter Ewart

Life in a Victorian Workhouse

Thursday 12th October 2017 at 7:30pm

Dr John Bulaitis:

Canterbury Christ Church University, revisits an often forgotten piece of rural history

The ‘Curious Rural Revolt’: The Tithe War in East Kent, 1930-1936

The national press dubbed it ‘the tithe war’. Farmers and their families confronted bailiffs trying to seize property and livestock, disrupted auctions, blockaded farms and organised raids to recover ‘distrained’ livestock.
Focusing particularly on the leading role played by the men and women of East Kent, including George Christopher Solley

Tour News - “Jewels of Sandwich” tour for mayoral colleagues from all over Kent.

Following a very successful event last year, on Wednesday 20th September Cllr Paul Graeme, the Mayor of Sandwich, hosted a repeat “Jewels of Sandwich” tour for mayoral colleagues from all over Kent.

Around 30 mayors, mayoresses, some of their drivers and town sergeants enjoyed a tour of the Guildhall with Sandwich Town Sergeant Kevin Cook, followed by guided tours of the town with members of Sandwich Local History Society.
A glass of champagne followed by a delicious tea and a raffle raised nearly £800 for the Mayor’s fund

Thursday 14th September 2017 at 7:30pm

Brian Flood

Early Aviation in Kent

This will be a joint meeting with the Sandwich Library Guild - Bar drinks will be available from 7:00pm

Bank Holiday Saturday 26th August 2017 at 2:00pm

FREE - Tours of Sandwich by The Sandwich Local History Society
Part of The Sandwich Festival

Sandwich Local History Society gave free tours of the town from the Guildhall at 2 pm on Saturday 26th August. Tickets were obtainable from the Tourist Information Office (telephone 01304 613565) to book a place.

For Sandwich Festival Programme see www.open-sandwich.co.uk/events/sandwich_festival.htm