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| Possibly
the most photographed tea room in England, Claris's stands at the end of
an unbelievably picturesque row of 15th century weavers' cottages. Their
wood-beamed roofs are twisted by age, their walls hung with Wealden tiles,
while the pavement in front is a rough-hewn mosaic of local Bethersden
marble encrusted with mollusc shells. To
complete the picture, the street leads naturally to the even older church
of All Saints' with its splendid medieval brasses. During the 12th century
the churchwardens here were entrusted with an unusual legacy, ~ the
bequests of the Biddenden Maids. Eliza
and Mary Chulkhurst, the Biddenden Maids, were born in the year 1100,
Siamese twins joined at the shoulder and hip. For 34 years they lived, not
in seclusion, but as active members of the village community. Then Eliza
died. Mary refused her only chance of survival, ~ severance from her dead
sister. Within six hours, she too had died. In
their joint will, the Biddenden Maids bequeathed land to the church, its
income to provide an annual gift of bread and cheese for the parish poor.
Their bequest became known as the 'bread and cheese lands' and even now,
each Easter Monday at the former workhouse, wheaten biscuits with the
shape of two women joined at the hip and shoulder are handed out.
But if you prefer a good old-fashioned pot of tea, home-made cakes and
pastries, make your way to Claris's in the High Street. Here, Janet and
Brian Wingham have created the kind of tea shop one feared had disappeared
for ever. Beneath the dark, low-beamed medieval ceiling. beside the huge
old fireplace, they dispense the best kind of traditional English teas.
Cream Teas, of course, but also a tormenting choice of home-made cakes,
(Almond Slice, Coffee Walnut, Lemon Madeira and Fruit Cake are just some
of them), meringues, and Hot Bread Pudding with local cream.
Most famous of all is Claris's Cointreau Cake, made to a secret recipe
with pure orange juice, Cointreau and lashings of local cream.
After tea, explore Claris's Gift Shop which specialises in a wide
selection of collectables ranging from intricate Hantel Victorian
miniatures to large vases by Moorcroft Pottery.
Opening times: 10.30 am - 5.30 pm (daily).
Te: (01580) 291025
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| One
of the most enduring legends of the English age of chivalry, gentle knight
tells the story of the officer mortally wounded in battle, who when he was
offered a cup of water to ease his suffering, insisted on passing it to an
even more grievously afflicted soldier nearby with the words "Thy
need is greater than mine."
The knight was Sir Philip Sidney, a mere 32 years old at the time but
already an accomplished poet, scholar and statesman. He had been born in
the gracious old manor house, Penshurst Place, which was already more than
200 years old at the time of his birth in 1554.
In the small village, the picturesque corner by the church includes an
unusual lych-gate with a house built over it. The church's list of rectors
goes back to 1170 when Wilhelmus was installed as Vicar by Archbishop
Thomas a Becket. Two days later, Becket was murdered in Canterbury
Cathedral. A modern stained glass window of 1971 celebrates 800 years of
worship here.
Just across from the church, in the pleasant old High Street, is
Quaintways Tea Shop. This used to be one of several bakeries in the
village and the oven is still there in the back tea room as well as a
wonderful old polyphone. Lesley and
Dick Baldwin have transformed its two cosy rooms into a warm and welcoming
tea-shop. Traditional blue and white plates and crockery decorate the
walls, and a garden at the rear provides a tranquil setting for summer
afternoon tea.
The menu offers an attractive selection of Cream Teas, homemade scones
or cakes and light refreshments. They're served with a pot of either
traditional tea or one of the very popular herbal teas. Before leaving, a
browse through the shop is well worth while, especially for the
marmalades, pickles, relishes, mustard and fudge, washed down with local
apple juice or spring water. There is also an excellent selection of
souvenir tea towels, local hand-made cards and antiques.
Opening Times: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Closed Mondays (Nov-Dec) Jan 2000 onwards open 7 days a week
Tel: 01892 870272 |
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