The Beauty
of Bridge

As the boundary between rural and urban life becomes
increasingly blurred, the search for the unspoiled Kentish
village becomes more difficult.

Prior to T976, Bridge was under constant stress from the
heavy traffic that plagued the lives of residents. But that
year saw a by-pass open that freed the village from the
worst aspects of modernity, enabling Bridge to rediscover
its rural heritage.

Nestled in the picturesque Nailbourne Valley, the village
has been a site of habitation since the Roman era, and has
retained a strong identity and independence ever since.

Its name stems from’Bregge”, Old English for a bridge,
which crossed the Little Stour.

As a resident of the village for more than 40 years, and Vice-
Chairman ofthe Parish Council, John Hill is acutely aware
that Bridge’s autonomy has retained its character and charm.

"|t’s how the quintessential English village used to be," said
John. ”lt’s an attractive place with a great community spirit
and thriving shops.”

   
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  

John Hill, Vice
Chairman of Bridge
Parish Council is
happy to I've in "a
quintessential
English village"

I I District Life 19 I Summer 2005f‘

Down your way

Flowing freely: the River Nailbourne passes through Bridge

John added:"People come from all over east Kent to visit
the village butchers shop, and to the pubs and restaurants
to eat excellent food. And despite our proximity to
Canterbury, we can be quite self—sufficient here.”

This se|f—sufficiency is quite evident in the streets of Bridge
on warm summer afternoons, as some of the villages 3,000
souls go about their business. The hive of activity presents

a community spirit that ties the people together.

And dominating the skyline of Bridge is the village church,
faced with Kentish flint. Restored in the l9th century, its
imposing steeple contrasts with Tudor and Victorian
buildings that blend together to give the village its distinct
architectural charm.

John said:”Bridge is an attractive village, but I think it's the
people that make it what it is. We have more than 30 active
organisations that cater for all interests and ages, from
scout groups to tennis and cricket clubs.”

In Bridge, human activity and the rural environment
contrast and complement each other. A weary
traveller in search ofan unspoiled village would
not be disappointed/’| can”t imagine leaving,”
said John. ”Bridge is a lovely place in
which to live and an equally lovely
place to visit.”