Kent is located in the southeastern corner of England, bordered by the North Sea and the Thames Estuary to the north, and the English Channel and the Straits of Dover to the south. The county is known as the "Garden of England" for its orchards, hop gardens, and other crops.[1]
The population of Kent is 1,593,191 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the ONS. Kent's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.9% per year. Kent covers an area of 3,545 square kilometers (1,369 square miles) and has a population density of 449 people per square kilometers (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.[2]
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Kent landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions
The Kent Downs National Landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretches from the white cliffs of Dover to the Surrey and London border. With ancient bluebell woodlands, rugged chalk coastline, internationally rare chalk grassland, and ragstone villages there is beauty to explore all year round.[3]
Kent County, England, boasts a diverse industrial landscape, with a significant focus on manufacturing, technology, and logistics with over 3,500 manufacturing companies employing over 45,000 people.[4] The diverse manufacturing companies include aerospace, automotive, medical devices, breweries, wineries, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.[5]
Kent county's agriculture has a long and important history.[6] Kent has the most farms and smallholdings in the South East part of England, with over 2,700 farms throughout the county. Kent has the ideal combination of factors that make fruits, vegetables and plants easier to grow than in any other British counties. Kent’s close proximity to London, its rivers and eventually the train-links, meant produce could be easily shipped into London, thus Kent cemented its heralded status as an unrivaled place for crop production.[7]
The best known of Kent's attractions is the White Cliffs of Dover. These high chalk cliffs look out onto the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast. Dover Castle is possibly Britain’s oldest building still standing. It was converted into a belfry about a thousand years after it was built. Canterbury Cathedral is a historic 1400 year old cathedral with stained glass, medieval architecture, and artifacts. The Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest cathedral in the UK, and has a recently refurbished crypt, vestry, and chapter library. The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a maritime museum that was established in the 16th century as a Royal Naval dockyard.
Kent history
The earliest evidence of human activity in Kent dates back to the Paleolithic period. Stone tools and weapons have been found, indicating that hunter-gatherers inhabited the region. Later, during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, Kent witnessed the development of farming communities. Hill forts and burial mounds are remnants of these ancient civilizations.[8].
Kent played a crucial role in Roman Britain. In 55 BC, Julius Caesar landed on the Kentish coast, marking the beginning of Roman influence. Roman roads, villas, and forts were constructed throughout the county.[9] Canterbury, a significant Roman town, later became the ecclesiastical center of England.[10] After the Roman withdrawal in the 5th century, Germanic tribes, primarily the Jutes, invaded and settled in Kent. They established the Kingdom of Kent, one of the earliest Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. This era saw the rise of powerful kings and the development of Kentish law and customs.[11]
During the Middle Ages, Kent continued to be a strategic location. The county was frequently involved in conflicts with neighboring kingdoms and experienced periods of both prosperity and hardship.[12] The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought significant changes, with the construction of castles and the introduction of feudalism.[13] Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, became a major pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from across Europe.[14] The Black Death, a devastating plague in the 14th century, had a significant impact on Kent's population.[15]
The 16th century witnessed significant religious and social changes in Kent. The Reformation led to the dissolution of monasteries and the establishment of the Church of England. Kent's ports, particularly Dover, played a vital role in trade and naval power.
The 17th century was a turbulent period for Kent. The county was involved in the English Civil War, with royalist and parliamentary forces clashing. The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 brought relative stability. Kent's maritime industry continued to flourish, and the county benefited from the growth of London.[16]
The 18th century saw the development of Kent's agricultural and industrial sectors. The county became known for its hop gardens and fruit orchards. The Industrial Revolution brought new industries, such as paper-making and shipbuilding. The construction of canals and railways improved transportation links, facilitating trade and travel.[17]
The 19th century was a period of significant growth and change for Kent. The county's population increased rapidly, driven by urbanization and industrialization. The railway network expanded, connecting Kent to London and other parts of the country. The development of coastal resorts, such as Margate and Ramsgate, attracted visitors from across Britain.[18]
he 20th century brought challenges and opportunities for Kent. The county played a vital role in both World Wars. In the post-war period, Kent experienced significant economic and social change. The decline of traditional industries, such as shipbuilding and agriculture, led to a shift towards service industries and tourism.[19] In recent decades, Kent has become increasingly diverse, with a growing immigrant population. This diversity has enriched the county's cultural landscape. Today, Kent is a popular destination for tourists, offering a rich history, beautiful countryside, and coastal attractions.[20]
Kent parishes and unparished areas
There are approximately 1.7 million residents in the Kent and Medway area. Kent is divided into 12 local authority districts and Medway Unitary Authority.[21] The Kent County Council area excludes Medway.[22] There are 309 civil parishes in the Kent County Council area and a further 11 in the Medway Unitary Authority area.[22]
Kent geography
Kent County is characterized by a prominent geological backbone called the North Downs, a chalk ridge extending east-west across the county.[23] Northward, the landscape descends into the marshy lowlands of the Thames Estuary, while southward lies the undulating, wooded expanse of the Weald, composed of clay and sand formations.[24]
Kent's coastline is a dynamic interplay of cliffs and plains.[25] The low-lying Thames coast is fringed by marshes and islands, including the Isle of Grain and the Isle of Sheppey. Further east, the former Isle of Thanet is now integrated into the county.[26] Chalk cliffs punctuate the coastline at the North Foreland, a chalk headland on the Kent coast and between Dover and Deal. In contrast, the southern coast features the reclaimed lowlands of Romney Marsh, which have emerged from the sea since Roman times. The county culminates in the shingle promontory of Dungeness in the extreme southeast.
Researching family history in Kent
The Kent Family History Society give their members access to a growing collection of digitized records. FreeUKGenealogy.org.uk is a Free UK Genealogy is a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organization) acting as an umbrella organization for FreeBMD, FreeREG and FreeCEN. The Kent County Council has a helpful introduction to Family History. GenealogyJude.com has an interesting explanation of the history of Kent county. Kent online parish clerks has an extensive collection of free Kent documents. The Family History Directory has a list of Kent resources. The Kent Archives and Local History has an extensive collection of genealogically valuable documents.
Ethnicities in Kent
The demographic distribution of the Kent population is as follows:[2]
According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Kent is predominantly white (89.4%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 10.6% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Kent accounting for 4.4% of the population. 41,036 or 3% of the Kent population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.
Population by race in Kent, 2021 census
- White - 1,409,006 people or 89.4%
- Asian - 69,939 people or 4.4%
- Black - 41,036 people or 2.6%
- Mixed - 36,766 people or 2.3%
- Other - 19,322 people or 1.2%
Surnames in Kent
Explore more about English Counties
MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.
See also
- Administrative structure of England
- English genealogy
- English immigration
- English emigration
- English archives
- England historical records
- Vital records in England
- Birth records in England
- Death records in England
- Marriage records in England
- Census records in England
- Civil registrations in England
- Church records in England
- Newspaper records in England
- English military records
References
- ↑ Kent | England, United Kingdom, & Map | Britannica
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Kent Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing
- ↑ Kent Downs National Landscape
- ↑ Locate in KentManufacturing In Kent - Join The Thousands That Do
- ↑ Industries which built the towns we know today
- ↑ Kentish Agriculture – Wilcuma
- ↑ Keeping Kent Growing
- ↑ Exploring Kent's Past
- ↑ Exploring Kent's Past Roman Kent
- ↑ Church of England | Definition, History, Religion, Anglican, Beliefs, & Facts | Britannica
- ↑ Kent | Anglo-Saxon, Jutish, Roman | Britannica
- ↑ Exploring Kent's Past Medieval Kent
- ↑ The History of Kent after 1066 – Wilcuma
- ↑ Canterbury Cathedral
- ↑ Black Death decimated the county
- ↑ ** Kent, England Online Parish Clerks ** A Short History of Kent
- ↑ Exploring Kent's Past Industrial Kent
- ↑ Wadhurst History Society | 19th Century Kent
- ↑ Essential historical facts about Kent
- ↑ 21st Century Kent - Kent County Council
- ↑ Medway Council Homepage
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Kent geography
- ↑ North Downs - Description
- ↑ The Tidal Thames
- ↑ Our Coastline – South East Coastal Group
- ↑ Isle of Thanet | Ramsgate, Margate & Broadstairs | Britannica
- ↑ Most Common Surnames in Kent, With Meanings