Higham, ENG - Postcode - BB12 9HD

Higham, Kent

Located in the Kentish town of Gravesham, Higham is both a civil parish and an electoral ward. The settlement is located in the Medway unitary authority, to the south-east of Gravesend, and just north-west of Strood.

History

During Roman times, Higham was located around halfway between tHihe Roman settlement at Colne and the camp at Ribchester. At the top of the village is a stretch of what was once the "Highway of the Legions," an ancient Roman route that is now a country path.

Much of what is now known as Pendle Forest was uninhabited and open for hunting during the Norman era. The De Laces purchased the estate, then known as Pendle Chase. Over time, the strictness of the Norman regime loosened up. Following the marriage of the De Lacy heiress in 1311 to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, the lands in Pendle Chase became under the jurisdiction of the Forest of Lancaster.

A member of the De Lacy family from Clitheroe Castle would go to the Pendle Forest leaseholders' homes and collect rent payments. To the Duke, farmers would pay a few shillings in rent, while cottagers would fork over only one penny. Boundary disputes, ownership transfers, and penalties for things like destroying fences or blocking roads or leaving gates unlocked can all be found in the archives.

In the event of a dispute regarding the transfer of property, a jury would be convened. There were fines and a jail at Higham House, one of the oldest structures in the area, for tenants who fell behind on their rent payments.

The court moved to the Four Alls Inn from Higham Hall in the middle of the 19th century when it was deemed unfit. Even after being stripped of its former authority, the Halmote Court continued to meet in Higham well into the early 20th century.

Hunterholme and Dame Fold are only two examples of the many geographical names associated with horses. It has been speculated that the Black Prince's horse supply came from a stud farm established in the 14th century and controlled by the King's agent.

Cattle pastures enclosed around the Chase were first established in the 14th century. VACCARIES was the name for them (tall standing stones as separation). The farmhouses of the time were known as BOOTHS (West Close, Higham, Laund). There were grazing fees of 4d for oxen and 2d for sheep.

The land was useless for anything else than pasturage. The deer population in Pendle Forest was reduced to manageable levels as cultivation replaced hunting in the 15th century (Fence). It was more advantageous for Henry VII to clear the land of trees. Tenants of the leased vaccaries felt secure in their farms despite a rent increase of 50%.

History of pinfolds stretches back at least 500 years. A tall wall surrounded it, and in the center was a patch of green grass that was kept alive by a trickle of water. After the animals had been brought into the Pinfold, the Pindar, a court official, would lock the door with a particular piece of wood.

Animal owner had to fork up cash when he came to claim his pets. Offenders who stole animals from the Pinfold were also subject to a fine.

While farming was the primary industry in the 17th century, other home-based industries and crafts were also important. The textile sector continued to be significant to the economy even at this early date. Millers, masons, blacksmiths, butchers, shoemakers, clothiers, and weavers were all mentioned, as were their respective mills and inventory. The inventories confirmed their status as farmers.

Many of the smaller and medium-sized farms relied primarily on family members to operate. Using the spinning wheels and looms, several sons and daughters were kept busy. Three-quarters of homes carded, combed, and spun their own wool and flax.

In 1851, a modest weaving shed called Fir Trees Mill was constructed with 138 looms. Those who worked on Laneside resided in the terraced homes that were specifically constructed for them. As of 1860, it was home to 200 looms. The facility was decommissioned in 1965 and sold to Wareprod Engineering, but not before being updated in the 1950s. In the 1980s, it was torn down and the land developed for new homes.

The area around Higham was also mined. A shaft connected the workings of Habergham Colliery (1912–1930) to those of Higham Colliery. In 1953, 80 people were employed in the newly opened Fir Trees Drift Mine. In 1966, mining for coal was ended forever. A sign on a power pole proclaims that the Fir Trees Drift S.P. West Close Open Cast Mine was in operation between 1948 and 1959, but no other relics remain.