| Surrounded by
rich soil and blessed with a comparatively mild climate, these would have been
an ideal place for human habitation and was
settled by migrants from mainland Europe. Recent finds at Minster suggest
that the area held significant importance to the people of the Bronze Age and It
is likely that the area was occupied as far back as the Paleolithic (Old Stone
Age) period. |
| When the Romans first visited Britain in 55 BC The Isle of Thanet
was separated from the mainland by the Wansum Channel. Two
wide and navigable inlets or estuaries reached inland. One to where Canterbury now
stands and one to the mouth of what is now called Wingham River. |
| During the Roman Occupation (43AD-410AD) roads
to Dover, Folkstone, and Hythe converged at
here, Another led to Watling Stree the main Richboruogh
(Rutupia) to
London (Lundinium). |
 |
| The Gravel banks to the east of the
Wansum had helped to ensure calm waters in the natural harbours, but later
caused a build up of silt washed down by the River Stour. Some of the
house in Wingham stand where Roman galleys may once have moored. The
maritime tradition of the village is evidenced in the names of two of its
public houses The Anchor and the Ship (now a private dwelling). The village now
lies almost 10 miles from the sea. |
| After the Roman departure in 410AD the
area was a focus for immigrants such as Danes, Jutes and Saxons. Despite
the proud Invicta motto of People of Kent and Kentish People, the Normans
too wielded their influence. Wingham's mention on literature is in the Dooms Day Book
of 1086. |
| During the Middle Ages Wingham was the
halfway point between Canterbury and the then important port of Sandwich. several
dignitaries
are known to have passed through the village. |
| Men from Wingham fought in World Wars I
and II and the villagers at home witnessed the battle of Britain and were
involved in the evacuation of Dunkirk |