England's Past for Everyone
Kent is one of several counties taking part in England's Past for Everyone - an exciting venture to produce an authoritative account of every English county.
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Kent County Council and the University of Greenwich, researchers will work alongside volunteers to create a range of resources - from groundbreaking books, to interactive new materials for schools.
'The Medway Towns 1550 - 1900' will trace the transformation of the communities of Strood, Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham into the urban conurbation of Medway.
The research will explore how the development of the Royal Naval Dockyard shaped these local communities and impacted on the lives of people who lived and worked on the banks of the River Medway. Research will form the basis of an illustrated paperback book, and materials will be made available on line. The project will use a wide range of sources including local government records, personal papers such as letters, wills and account books, newspapers and trade directories, maps, plans and census material.
Volunteers are sought to help with:
- transcribing sources
- researching the past of an individual, or a building
- taking part in a survey of buildings
- photographing documents or buildings
- writing material for inclusion in the book
and / or
- providing content for the website.
No previous experience of local history is necessary, as training will be provided.
If you would like to volunteer, or find out more, please contact Dr Sandra Dunster:
EPE Kent Team Leader
Victoria County History
University of Greenwich
Old Royal Naval College
Park Row
Greenwich
London
SE10 9LS
www.englandspastforeveryone.org.uk
