Industrial Heritage – The Influence of Geology and History on Architecture

Knole’s Industrial Heritage Group members undertake research on a topic and then present their findings in the form of a 45-60 minute presentation to other members. To date their research has focused on the former industries in Kent and the wider Wealden area. For her third talk since the group was established three years ago, Audrey Dreher gave a talk about the influence of geology and history on Kent Architecture.

The talk was a tour de force of the history of Kent building design from the humble stone megaliths of the Medway Valleys, via Roman villas, Saxon churches, Norman Castles and magnificent wooden houses of the Medieval and later Tudor period.

Audrey took us through how the buildings were constructed and how the material used in their construction were sourced. She aptly described the complex skills needed to build these pre industrial revolution buildings involving a deep understanding of the nature characteristics of stone, wood, iron, glass and making bricks and tiles – and the knowledge to build Kent’s castles and early churches which still stand to this day.

The group can accommodate a few more members as we meet in Holmesdale on the first Wednesday of the month so please contact me if you are keen on researching our industrial history, and prepared to give a talk to the group either by yourself or with another member of the group.

Alan Heyes