Kent Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Regional Societies
Bromley Borough Local History Society Small Hall Trinity United Reform Church Freelands Rd Bromley, London BR1 3AQ UK Telephone: 01689 854 408 Email: [mailto:lainey.l.baker@btinternet.com lainey.l.baker@btinternet.com] Website: Bromley Borough Local History Society


 * BBLHS was formed in 1974 so that those with an interest in the history of the people, events and places that make up London's largest borough could meet to exchange information and learn more about the long and fascinating story that makes up the London Borough of Bromley and all its constituent parts.

Lewisham Local History Society Methodist Church Hall Albion Way Lewisham, London SE13 6BT UK Telephone: 020 8313 3384 Email: [mailto:d.eley922@btinternet.com d.eley922@btinternet.com] Website: Lewisham Local History Society


 * The Lewisham Local History Society was founded in 1961 with the aim of encouraging and assisting study of the local history of the London Borough of Lewisham and nearby areas.

Orpington & District Archaeological Society Christ Church (United Reformed) Tudor Way Petts Wood Bromley, London BR5 1LH UK Email: [mailto:orparchsoc@yahoo.co.uk orparchsoc@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Orpington & District Archaeological Society


 * The Society promotes the study of archaeology in the local area by undertaking excavations, carrying out research, and encouraging public interest through meetings and visits.

Romney Marsh Research Trust Email: [mailto:info@rmrt.org.uk info@rmrt.org.uk] Website: Romney Marsh Research Trust


 * The Romney Marsh Research Trust was formed in 1987 to study the history, archaeology and landscape history (or ‘geomorphology’) of Romney Marsh.

Wesley Historical Society - London And The South East 7 Hornminster Glen Hornchurch, London RM11 3XL UK Website: Wesley Historical Society - London And The South East


 * The aims of the Society laid down in 1893 were to promote the study of the history and literature of early Methodism, research into the Wesley's, and investigation into the beginnings and development of Methodism. Area: London and the South East.  South East England consists of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Woolwich & District Family History Society Shrewsbury House Bushmoor Cres Shooter’s Hill London SE18 3EG UK Email: [mailto:suhiwfhs@tiscali.co.uk suhiwfhs@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Woolwich & District Family History Society


 * The Society covers not just Woolwich but also Greenwich, Woolwich, Charlton, Plumstead, Eltham, Welling, Bexleyheath, and Crayford.  Many people have ancestors who spent a few years or a few generations in this area. Many worked at the Royal Arsenal, the Royal Dockyard, or served in the Artillery.

Kent Societies
Appledore Local History Society Methodist Chapel The Street Appledore, Kent TN26 2AE UK Telephone: 01233 758756 Website: Appledore Local History Society


 * The aims and objectives of the Appledore Local History Society are to provide a focal point for the regular gathering of local residents interested in the history of the village and surrounding areas; to facilitate the collection, collation and sharing of information and artefacts and to provide a repository for the benefit of future generations; to build an extensive archive that might be developed into a local Appledore Heritage Centre; to welcome and inform new residents of the history of the village and surrounding areas; to provide visitors to Appledore some basic facts that will enhance their knowledge of the village; and to establish heritage trails that will enrich the enjoyment of tourists to the village.

Ashford Archaeological and Historical Society Friends Meeting House Albert Road Ashford, Kent TN24 8NY UK Email: [mailto:committee@ashfordarchhist.org committee@ashfordarchhist.org] Website: Ashford Archaeological and Historical Society

Aylesford Historical Society Aylesford Community Centre 25 Forstal Road Aylesford, Kent ME20 7AU UK Telephone: 01622 717034 Bearsted & District Local History Society King George V Memorial Hall Manor Rise Bearsted, Kent ME14 4DB UK Telephone: 01622 737756 Email: [mailto:jm.tuck35@tiscali.co.uk jm.tuck35@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Bearsted & District Local History Society

Bexley Archaeological Group Sidcup Conservative Club 19 Station Road Sidcup, Kent DA15 7EB UK E-mail: [mailto:pr@bag.org.uk pr@bag.org.uk] Website: Bexley Archaeological Group


 * The group welcomes all those who have an interest in the archaeology and history of Bexley and the surrounding area. Since its formation the group has provided an opportunity for people in the community to get involved in Archaeology and History in the local area.

Bexley Historical Society St John Fisher RC Church Thanet Road Bexley, Kent DA5 1AP UK Telephone: (020) 8301 2310 Email: [mailto:secretary@bexleyhistoricalsociety.co.uk secretary@bexleyhistoricalsociety.co.uk] Website: Bexley Historical Society


 * Bexley Historical Society was established by history-loving citizens "as a non profit organization to encourage an interest in both local, general historical and archaeological matters particularly those relating to the area within the boundaries of the Borough of Bexley".

Biddenden Local History Society Biddenden New Village Hall Tenterden Road Ashford, Kent TN27 8BB UK Telephone: 01580 291925 Website: Biddenden Local History Society

Brenchley and Matfield Local History Society Matfield Village Hall Matfield Tonbridge, Kent TN12 7LW UK Telephone: 01892 722339 Website: Brenchley and Matfield Local History Society


 * Founded in 1971, the Society has over 150 members. As well as encouraging an interest in both local and national history, one of its main objectives is to maintain and expand its local archive which now contains a fascinating picture of the evolution of the parish. This archive is a valuable source of reference which is open, by appointment, for inspection.

Bridge & District History Society Bridge Village Hall 28 High St Bridge Canterbury, Kent CT4 5JZ UK Email: [mailto:info@bridgehistory.org.uk info@bridgehistory.org.uk] Website: Bridge & District History Society


 * Bridge & District History Society was formed to promote interest in aspects of local history in and around the villages of Barham, Bekesbourne, Bishopsbourne, Bridge, Kingston, Littlebourne, and Patrixbourne in Kent.

Broadstairs Society Holy Trinity Church Hall Nelson Place Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1HQ UK Telephone: 1843 604974 Email: [mailto:editor.broadstairssociety@gmail.com editor.broadstairssociety@gmail.com] Website: Broadstairs Society


 * The Broadstairs Society was founded in 1864 with the aim to protect the charm and character of Broadstairs & St Peters and its future.

Canterbury Historical & Archaeological Society (CHAS) Newton Lecture Theatre Ng03 North Holmes Campus N Holmes Rd Canterbury Christ Church University Canterbury, Kent CT1 1QU UK Telephone: 01227 780245 Website: Canterbury Historical & Archaeological Society (CHAS)


 * Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society was established in 1920 'to encourage the study of the history and antiquities of the City of Canterbury and surroundings and to preserve the architectural features and characteristics of the City.'

Chalk Parish History Group 1 Lower Higham Road Gravesend, Kent DA12 2ND UK Email: [mailto:chalkhistorygroup@​gmail.​com ​chalkhistorygroup@​gmail.​com] Website: Chalk Parish History Group


 * The Chalk Parish History Group is a small group of people who are interested in local history, particularly that of Chalk.

Charing & District Local History Society Parish Hall Station Road Charing, Kent TN27 0JA UK Telephone: 01233 713749 Email: [mailto:Hon.Secretary@charinghistory.co.uk Hon.Secretary@charinghistory.co.uk] Website: Charing & District Local History Society


 * Charing and District Local History Society exists to promote an active interest in local history.

Chatham Historical Society Lampard Centre Sally Port Brompton Medway, Kent ME7 5BU UK Telephone: 01634 372823 Website: Chatham Historical Society


 * Chatham Historical Society was founded in 1950. Its objectives are to bring together those who are interested in the history and archaeology of the Medway Towns and the immediate surrounding area, and to collect and record material relating to the history of this area.

Cranbrook & District Local History Society The Congregational Church High Street Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3DN UK Telephone: 01580 241944 Email: [mailto:secretary@cranbrookmuseum.org secretary@cranbrookmuseum.org] Website: Cranbrook & District Local History Society


 * The Cranbrook & District Local History Society seeks to  promote an interest in Cranbrook and all aspects of its history.  It manages the Museum and holds regular meetings during the winter months plus special summer events and exhibitions.

Crayford Manor House Historical Society Baker Trust Hall Maxim Rd Crayford Dartford, Kent DA1 4BG UK Telephone: 01322 551279 Email: [mailto:janet.hearn-gillham@ntlworld.com janet.hearn-gillham@ntlworld.com] Website: Crayford Manor House Historical Society

Dartford Historical & Antiquarian Society Mick Jagger Centre The Grammar School (boys) Shepherds Lane Dartford, Kent DA1 2JZ UK Email: [mailto:historicaldartford@gmail.com historicaldartford@gmail.com] Website: Dartford Historical & Antiquarian Society


 * The Society's purpose was "to encourage the study of local antiquities and to examine and record as far as possible all evidence of historic and prehistoric remains of antiquarian interest within the district".

Dover Society St. Marys Parish Centre Church St Dover, Kent CT16 1BY UK Website: Dover Society


 * Assisting with the preservation of our Historic Town of Dover.

Dymchurch and District Heritage Group Methodist Church 95 High St Dymchurch Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 0TB UK Telephone: 01797 458200 Email: [mailto:goodselladrian@gmail.com goodselladrian@gmail.com ] Website: Dymchurch and District Heritage Group

East Peckham Historical Society Salvation Army Hall 50 The Freehold East Peckham, Kent TN12 5AQ UK Telephone: 01622 872111

Edenbridge and District Historical Society W.I.Hall Station Road Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5PA UK Email: [mailto:curator@evmt.org.uk curator@evmt.org.uk] Website: Edenbridge and District Historical Society


 * The aims of the society are primarily to promote, encourage and co-ordinate research into the history of the Eden Valley and to provide a platform for talks and discussion.

Farningham & Eynsford Local History Society Farningham Village Hall High St Farningham Dartford, Kent DA4 0DH UK Email: [mailto:archives@felhs.org.uk archives@felhs.org.uk] Website: Farningham & Eynsford Local History Society


 * The Society was formed in 1985 by a small group of enthusiasts anxious to research and preserve the history of their locality before it was lost as a result of the increasing pace of life and the throw-away society in which we now live. Its area of interest covers the ancient parishes of Eynsford (including Crockenhill), Farningham and Lullingstone, and also Maplescombe.

The Faversham Society Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre 10-13 Preston Street Faversham, Kent ME13 8NS UK Telephone: 01795 534542 Email: [mailto:ticfaversham@btconnect.com ticfaversham@btconnect.com] Website: The Faversham Society


 * For more than 50 years the Faversham Society has been working towards the preservation and enjoyment of this unique historic town.

Folkestone & District Family History Society Church Hall All Souls Church Cheriton Folkestone, Kent CT19 4HA UK Email: [mailto:secretary@folkfhs.org.uk secretary@folkfhs.org.uk] Website: Folkestone & District Family History Society


 * The Folkestone and District Family History Society was founded in 1976 to encourage and promote the study of family history in the South East Kent area. It provides advice and assistance to members with South East Kent ancestry as well as to members whose roots are elsewhere, and welcomes the beginner and the more experienced family historian alike.

Goudhurst & Kilndown Local History Society Church Room Back Lane Goudhurst Cranbrook, Kent TN17 1AN UK Website: Goudhurst & Kilndown Local History Society


 * The society has an archive of books, slides, photographs, postcards, maps and other material, together with a small number of interesting artefacts. As well as expanding this archive by carrying out new research, we are also able to help people seeking information on local families and the history of the parish.

Gravesend Historical Society St. Mary's Church Hall Wrotham Road Gravesend, Kent DA11 7LL UK Telephone: 01474 363998 Email: [mailto:contact@ghs.org.uk contact@ghs.org.uk] Website: Gravesend Historical Society


 * The aims of the Society are to promote the study of Scientific and Archaeological subjects in the district by individual research, by collective study and the interchange of ideas by means of papers, readings, lectures, excursions, field days and outings. By the publication of transactions, journals etc, and other means that seemed advisable at the time.

Great Mongeham Society Great Mongeham Parish Hall 170 Mongeham Road Great Mongeham Deal, Kent CT14 9LL UK Website: Great Mongeham Society


 * We are a social society based in Great Mongeham, Kent, with interests in local history, wildlife, and architecture.

Hadlow Historical Society St. Mary's Church Upper Room Maidstone Rd Hadlow Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0DJ UK Telephone: 01732 850214 Website: Hadlow Historical Society

Harrietsham History Society Harrietsham Village Hall Church Rd Harrietsham Maidstone, Kent ME17 1AP UK Telephone: 01622 851075 Email: [mailto:info@harrietshamhistorysociety.org info@harrietshamhistorysociety.org] Website: Harrietsham History Society


 * The website is to promote Harrietsham History Society and its activities to both members and non-members of the Society.

Headcorn Local History Society Methodist Church Hall 2 High St Headcorn Ashford, Kent TN27 9NE UK Telephone: 01622 890270 Website: Headcorn Local History Society

Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne Phoenix House Central Avenue Sittingbourne Swale, Kent ME10 4BX UK Telephone: 01634 230421 Email: [mailto:enquiries@hrgs.co.uk enquiries@hrgs.co.uk] Website: Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne


 * Our aim is to investigate, record, and promote the history of Sittingbourne and the local area by research, study, education, and publication.

Horton Kirby & South Darenth Local History Society Horton Kirby Jubilee Hall Horton Rd South Darenth Dartford, Kent DA4 9AX UK Telephone: 01322 616424 Email: [mailto:sharon_mitchell@hotmail.com sharon_mitchell@hotmail.com] Website: Horton Kirby & South Darenth Local History Society


 * The Horton Kirby & South Darenth Local History Society was founded in 1995 after the publication by the Parish Council of the Centenary Book. Since then the Society has met regularly in the Village Hall and regularly publishes books and leaflets about the area.

Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society Room B Crampton Tower Yard High Street Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2AB UK Email: [mailto:mail@iotas.org.uk mail@iotas.org.uk] Website: Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society


 * The aims of our Society are ‘to promote, for the benefit and education of the general public, the study of the archaeology and history of the Isle of Thanet’.

Kemsing Heritage Centre Association Kemsing Heritage Centre St Edith Hall High Street Kemsing, Kent TN15 6NA UK Email: [mailto:info@kemsingheritagecentre.org.uk info@kemsingheritagecentre.org.uk] Website: Kemsing Heritage Centre Association


 * The Kemsing Heritage Centre has an extensive archive of material relating to the history of Kemsing and its inhabitants. This material is the result of many years of work and is a valuable resource that can be used for family history and other research.

Kent Archaeological Society Maidstone Museum St Faith’s Street Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LH UK Telephone: 1474 822280 Email: [mailto:librarian@kentarchaeology.org.uk librarian@kentarchaeology.org.uk] Website: Kent Archaeological Society


 * The Society was founded in 1857 and has the following objects: To promote the study and publication of archaeology and history in all their branches, especially within the ancient county of Kent. Much of the County has been lost to London since 1857 so the “ancient county” is treated as including the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, and Lewisham, as well as Medway and the administrative county.

Kent Family History Society Ashford Branch The Willesborough Windmill Hythe Road Willesborough Ashford, Kent TN24 0QG UK Email: [mailto:ashford@kfhs.org.uk ashford@kfhs.org.uk] Website: Ashford Branch Canterbury Branch St Andrews United Reform Church Watling Street Canterbury, Kent CT1 2UA UK Telephone: 01227 453576 Email: [mailto:canterbury@kfhs.org.uk canterbury@kfhs.org.uk] Website: Canterbury Branch Deal Branch The Cleary Room The Landmark Centre 129 High Street Deal, Kent CT14 6BB UK Email: [mailto:deal@kfhs.org.uk deal@kfhs.org.uk] Website: Deal Branch Maidstone Branch St. Paul's Church Hall Boxley Road Maidstone, Kent ME14 2AN UK Telephone: 01622 204923 Email: [mailto:maidstone@kfhs.org.uk maidstone@kfhs.org.uk] Medway Branch All Saints Parish Hall Church Green Frindsbury, Kent ME2 4HY UK Email: [mailto:membership@kfhs.org.uk membership@kfhs.org.uk] Website: Medway Branch Thanet Branch The Birchington Village Centre 9 Alpha Road Birchington, Kent CT7 9EG UK Telephone: 01843 841228 Email: [mailto:thanet@kfhs.org.uk thanet@kfhs.org.uk] Website: Thanet Branch

St Andrew's United Reformed Church Watling Street Canterbury, Kent CT1 2UA UK Email: [mailto:secretary@kfhs.org.uk secretary@kfhs.org.uk] Website: Kent Family History Society


 * Welcome to the Kent Family History Society. Established in 1974 as the largest and oldest Family History Society in Kent, with more than 2,400 members worldwide, we are uniquely able to help members to learn how to research their own family tree. Branch meetings are held in Ashford, Canterbury, Deal, Maidstone, Medway (Frindsbury), and Thanet (Birchington). In addition, there is an on-line Global Branch.

The Kent History Federation County Hall Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XQ UK Telephone: 01843 831869 Email: [mailto:secretary@kenthistoryfederation.org secretary@kenthistoryfederation.org] Website: The Kent History Federation

Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society St Lawrence's Community Hall 1 Hamilton Road Sidcup, Kent DA15 7HB UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@lam-sid-lhs.co.uk enquiries@lam-sid-lhs.co.uk] Website: Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society

Leigh & District Historical Society Leigh Small Village Hall High St. Leigh Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8RL UK Website: Leigh & District Historical Society


 * The Leigh and District Historical Society was founded with two main objectives: To provide an annual programme of meetings with presentations on historical subjects connected to Leigh, together with presentations on subjects of both county and national interest, and To maintain and add to our archive of local historical material and to make this available both to local residents and historians in general.

Loose Area History Society Loose Primary School Loose Rd Maidstone, Kent ME15 9UW UK Website: Loose Area History Society

Lower Medway Archaeological Research Group The Friends Meeting House North Street Rochester, Kent ME1 1LS UK Telephone: 01634 717135 Email: [mailto:vic2343@hotmail.com vic2343@hotmail.com] Website: Lower Medway Archaeological Research Group

Lyminge Historical Society Methodist Church Church Road Lyminge, Kent CT18 8JA UK Email: [mailto:lymingehistoricalsociety@gmail.com lymingehistoricalsociety@gmail.com] Website: Lyminge Historical Society


 * Within the Society we have an active Family History & Research Group, who aid each other in researching their genealogical studies and have greatly assisted the Society in carrying out research; an examples of which were the discovery of some of the personal histories of those who are commemorated on our local War Memorial.

Maidstone Area Archaeological Group Maidstone Community Support Centre 39-48 Marsham St Maidstone, Kent ME14 1HH UK Telephone: 01622 762422 Email: [mailto:maag.info@virginmedia.com maag.info@virginmedia.com] Website: Maidstone Area Archaeological Group


 * The Group was founded in 1969 in order to promote archaeological research in the Maidstone area, co-ordinate archaeological research, and publish the results of such research.

Maidstone Historical Society Methodist Church Community Centre Brewer Street Maidstone, Kent ME14 1RU UK Email: [mailto:maidstone-historical-society@hotmail.co.uk maidstone-historical-society@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Maidstone Historical Society


 * The objectives of the Society are the study of matters of historic interest by means of lectures, discussions, and excursions and the dissemination of the results of original research.

North West Kent Family History Society Bromley Branch Bromley Methodist Church College Road Bromley, London BR1 3NS UK Email: [mailto:bromley@nwkfhs.org.uk bromley@nwkfhs.org.uk] Dartford Branch Dartford Technology College Heath Lane Dartford, Kent DA1 2LY UK Telephone: 01322 384836 Sevenoaks Branch Sevenoaks Community Centre Otford Road Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5DN UK

Email: [mailto:secretary@nwkfhs.org.uk secretary@nwkfhs.org.uk] Website: North West Kent Family History Society


 * The North West Kent Family History Society was formed in 1978 with the object of aiding and encouraging the study of family history and genealogy in South East London and North West Kent.

Plaxtol Local History Group Plaxtol Memorial Hall School Ln Plaxtol Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0QD UK Telephone: 01732 810931 Email: [mailto:mail@plaxtolhistory.org.uk mail@plaxtolhistory.org.uk] Website: Plaxtol Local History Group


 * Plaxtol Local History Group aims to help us all to understand and enjoy aspects of our village and parish history and that of the surrounding areas - from the houses and architecture to the people, their livelihoods, and the landscape.

Sandwich Local History Society Grand Jury Room Sandwich Guildhall Cattle Market Sandwich, Kent CT13 9AH UK Telephone: 01304 614 866 Email: [mailto:jacquilinning@aol.com jacquilinning@aol.com] Website: Sandwich Local History Society


 * If you have a question about the town of Sandwich, the History Society can draw on their knowledge & extensive records in the Sandwich Archives - or they can point you in the right direction for your research. Not only do the Sandwich History Society have a wealth of knowledge, they also provide conducted Historical Tours of the town, publish books on the History of Sandwich, and hold events and talks throughout the year.

Tonbridge Historical Society Angel Centre Angel Ln Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SF UK Email: [mailto:info@tonbridgehistory.org.uk info@tonbridgehistory.org.uk] Website: Tonbridge Historical Society


 * The Society was founded in 1960 to provide a focus for local people with historical interests. Unlike some similar societies it is concerned with national history and with archaeology, as well as with the history of Kent and the local area.

West Kent Archaeological Group Email: [mailto:andy.cky@blueyonder.co.uk andy.cky@blueyonder.co.uk] Website: West Kent Archaeological Group


 * Our area of interest is West Kent, primarily the Darent Valley, however, we are prepared to move outside this area to assist other societies, groups, landowners, and members of the public with resistivity geophysics, metal detecting, and field walking projects.