Folklore of Kent

"Kent, sir - everybody knows Kent - apples, cherries, hops and women" - Mr Jingle in Charles Dickens' Pickwick Papers. Kent boasts a plethora of characterising traditions which include hop-growing, smuggling and saints. All this reflects the curious history and geography of the area. It is bounded by sea on three sides, has the longest coastline of any English county and was the base for much maritime activity. This included trade and invasions, which gave rise to communities rich in sea-lore. This book also covers topics such as seasonal customs including harvest tradtions; drama; witchcraft, saints and holy wells; and the background and songs surrounding fruit and hop-growing. This book chrats the traditional culture of a populous and culturally significant southern county.

Auteur
FRAN DOEL has a Masters degree from UEA in Medieval Studies; DR GEOFF DOEL has a literary PhD, is a Fellow of the University of Kent and an Associate Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University. They have researched extensively on folklore, published over 20 books and Geoff has featured on Time Team. They founded the famous Nellie's Folk Club in Tonbridge (named after a local ghost!) and the Tonbridge Mummers & Hoodeners. They are also involved in running the Canterbury Mummers & Hoodeners, the online Friday Folk and live folk sessions in Canterbury.

Résumé
Kentish folklore reflects the curious geography and administrative history of Kent, with its extensive coastline and strong regional differences, which are reflected in distinctive cultural traditions. Bounded by sea on three sides, Kent has the longest coastline of any English county and was the base for much maritime activity, giving rise to communities rich in sea-lore. Fran and Geoff Doel explore the folklore, legends, customs and songs of Kent and the causative factors behind them. From saints to smugglers, hop-pickers to hoodeners, mummers to May garlands and wife sales to witchcraft, this book charts the traditional culture of a populous and culturally significant southern county.