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East Farleigh bridge.

The 14th century ragstone bridge across the river Medway at East Farleigh is generally reckoned to be the oldest medieval bridge in south-east England. Interesting and picturesque it may be. Convenient, however, it is not. At it's southern end the road curves through forty-five degrees which, together with the hump of the bridge itself, creates problems for cars coming across the bridge, which is not wide enough for two vehicles to pass on it.

East Farleigh bridge.

The bridge featured prominently in the Civil War Battle of Maidstone, when Royalists tried to hold the town against Parliamentary forces led by General Fairfax. The Royalists, who assembled on Penenden Heath (then just outside Maidstone but now part of it) knew the Roundheads were at Rochester and the expected the attack to come from north or west of the town. Instead, Fairfax sent his men round the town, crossing the river Medway by way of East Farleigh Bridge and then swooping up from the south to win the day.

The Banks of the river Medway at East Farleigh.

The Banks of the river Medway at East Farleigh.

With the lovely oast houses in the distance

East Farleigh bridge and Lock.

East Farleigh lies 2 miles SW of Maidstone in the county of Kent.

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