What made Dunton Green stand out in the past? It wasn’t exactly known for its beauty. In fact, Dunton Green was once called one of the ugliest places in Kent. But don’t let that deter you. Dunton Green, nestled in the Sevenoaks District, has a charm all its own, shaped by a fascinating history. This village, with its roots in the River Darent valley, became its own parish in 1908. Before that, it was part of Otford. But Dunton Green’s story begins much earlier. Imagine the rumble of carts laden with bricks and tiles. From the 17th century, Dunton Green was a hive of industry, supplying even the grand Knole House with its distinctive tiles. The clay soil here wasn’t just for building materials – it held secrets of a prehistoric past. Imagine the excitement when, during excavations, the earth revealed a treasure trove of fossils! The heart of Dunton Green beats along the bustling London Road. This thoroughfare, a witness to the changing times, was once a source of both prosperity and frustration for the villagers. Picture the early 20th century: Blacksmiths, wheelwrights, and bakers plied their trade along this road. But the peace was often shattered by reckless motorists, even prompting calls for an army patrol to enforce order! Today, Dunton Green, though no longer considered “ugly”, retains its unique character. It’s a place where echoes of industrial heritage blend with the tranquility of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a testament to Dunton Green’s enduring spirit.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to