The Centre for Kent History and Heritage (CKHH) showcases the regional work of the Historians and Archaeologists in the School of Humanities at Canterbury Christ Church University. Amongst other events, the Centre hosts public lectures, study days and workshops on aspects of the history and archaeology of Kent.

From the iconic White Cliffs at Dover, to the majestic ruins of Rochester Castle, the county’s history and heritage offers fascinating insights into our past – locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Reflecting this rich diversity, the CKHH showcases the research not only of historians, literary scholars and archaeologists in the School of Humanities at CCCU, but through its events the work of many experts across such areas.

The Centre hosts public lectures, festivals, study days, workshops and other events, many of which focus on aspects of Kent history and archaeology. It also works to encourage partnerships with regional and local organisations, such as Kent Archaeology Society, Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library, and Canterbury Archaeological Trust.

From small beginnings

Launched in 2014 by Jackie Eales and Stephen Hipkin, with a public exhibition and series of talks at Folkestone Town Hall on ‘Aspects of Kent History’, including topics such as ‘The Marriage Journey of Charles I and Henrietta Maria’, and ‘The Kent Tithe Wars of the 1930s’, the Centre placed Magna Carta centre stage in 2015, with an travelling exhibition and conference organised by Louise Wilkinson, a former Co-Director. The following year brought a new venture, the first of what are now the annual History Weekends. The 2016 ‘Medieval Canterbury Weekend’ featured David Carpenter, Helen Castor and Ian Mortimer among its 20 speakers. Since then the Weekends have alternated between the Middle Ages and the Tudors and Stuarts. This flagship festival of history provided by acclaimed experts in their field of study for audience members drawn not only from the British Isles, but also from mainland Europe and North America, helps to raise funds for the Ian Coulson Memorial Postgraduate Award fund to aid postgraduates who want to study Kent history and archaeology – see details of the fund.

Activities

As well as the History Weekends, the Centre organises conferences, lectures, festivals, study days, workshops, exhibitions and other events, many of which focus on aspects of Kent history and archaeology, for the benefit of all – members of the public, students and staff. It has and continues to build up partnerships with regional and local organisations, such as Kent Archaeology Society, Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library, and Canterbury Archaeological Trust, to offer joint events and other benefits. It is also heavily involved in publications, including Maritime Kent through the Ages (Boydell, forthcoming) that involves both of the current Co-Directors and the Visiting Research Fellow, while its Research Fellow is the Co-General Editor of Medieval Animals, a series published by the University of Wales Press.

CKHH blog

The best way to keep up to date with what’s happening in the Centre is by following our blog.

Contact

The Co-Directors of the Centre are Dr Claire Bartram and Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh.

Dr Diane Heath is the Centre’s Research Fellow, and Dr Gillian Draper is Visiting Research Fellow in CKHH. For more information, please contact: sheila.sweetinburgh@canterbury.ac.uk