East Peckham is a charming village and civil parish in Kent, England, situated on the River Medway. The parish encompasses the main village along with Hale Street and Beltring. East Peckham is located 6.2 miles from the centre of Tonbridge and 36.2 miles from Charing Cross, London. Additionally, it is twinned with Chéreng in France.
East Peckham, a quaint village in Kent, has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book. Initially controlled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the village was a vibrant medieval settlement with arable land and woodlands.
Originally near Mereworth, East Peckham’s main population centre shifted southward over time. This change is marked by the mid-19th-century construction of the Holy Trinity Church, located at East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LL [1], by architects Whichcord and Walker of Maidstone.
The Bourne and Medway rivers were pivotal to the village’s development, powering mills and contributing to frequent flooding. The East Peckham Flood Relief partnership [2], formed in 2003, built a dam at Bullen Farm [3] in 2005 to mitigate flood risks.
In 2012, The Russett Players [4], a local amateur theatre group, was established, adding cultural vibrancy and fostering community spirit.
Today, East Peckham blends historical charm with modern amenities (read this). The village offers essential services, including schools, retail outlets, and diverse dining options. Community events like the Summer Fete, Halloween Walk, and Christmas Lights Switch On foster a strong sense of community spirit [5].
East Peckham is home to several churches, including St. Michaels [6], Holy Trinity, and The Methodist Church [7], which are key to spiritual and community life. Village halls like The Village Hall [8] [9], Jubilee Hall [10], and the Sports Hall [11] offer versatile spaces for various events and activities.
The East Peckham River Walk [13] showcases the village’s natural beauty and heritage, passing through hop farming areas and Victorian Oast Houses at the Hop Farm. The Man of Kent (226 Tonbridge Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LA) [14] [15], a 16th-century coaching inn, reflects local traditions and the historical significance of the River Medway.
East Peckham seamlessly combines historical charm with modern amenities, offering essential services for a high quality of life.
East Peckham Primary School [16] [17] is central to the community, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for young learners.
East Peckham features a variety of retail outlets, such as The Village Stores, Butchers, and a local Co-op. Charming eateries like the coffee shop and wine bar provide cosy social spots, while the beauty salon offers relaxation. Diverse dining options include The Man of Kent, The Red Fort Gurkha [17], Khan Spice [18], a Chinese takeaway – Oriental Gourmet Kitchen [19], The Pound Fish Bar [20] [21], and The Village Grill [22], catering to various tastes and preferences.
The Village Hall, Jubilee Hall, and the Sports Hall and Meeting Room (see post) are essential community spaces that host a wide range of events and activities. These halls are versatile venues, accommodating everything from local meetings and social gatherings to sports events and cultural performances. Their availability ensures that the village remains a vibrant and active community.
Community events are central to life in East Peckham, fostering social interaction and a sense of unity.
The Summer Fete, a highlight of the social calendar, features stalls, games, and activities, celebrating the vibrant community spirit.
The Halloween Walk offers spooky fun as families and children dress up and enjoy a guided walk with themed decorations and activities, reflecting the village’s sense of fun.
The Christmas Lights Switch On marks the festive season’s start with sparkling decorations, carol singing, festive treats, and a visit from Santa Claus, bringing the community together in holiday cheer.
Despite its rural charm, East Peckham is well-connected and accessible.
The A228 road bypass provides easy access to nearby towns and major road networks.
Bus routes 6, 6A, and 208 connect East Peckham to Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, and Tonbridge.
Beltring railway station [12] on the Medway Valley Line offers hourly Southeastern train services to Tonbridge, Maidstone, and Strood, ensuring convenient rail travel.
East Peckham embraces growth and innovation while preserving its heritage. Sustainable development practices, such as recycling programs and the Bullen Farm dam, demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Active resident engagement shapes the village’s future. Community organisations and volunteer groups organise events and support local causes, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
At Welham Jones, we understand that planning a funeral is a deeply personal journey, especially within close-knit communities like East Peckham. Our Tonbridge branch, located just a short drive away, is dedicated to providing East Peckham residents with compassionate and professional funeral services, honouring local traditions and individual wishes.
We offer a range of funeral packages to suit diverse preferences and budgets. Whether you’re considering a traditional service or a more contemporary celebration of life, our team collaborates closely with you to ensure every detail reflects your loved one’s personality and your family’s needs.
For those in East Peckham who value sustainability, we provide eco-friendly coffins made from renewable materials like willow and bamboo. These options allow you to honour your loved one while respecting the environment.
Our experienced professionals treat every individual with the utmost respect. From preparation to dressing, we ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity, adhering to any specific cultural or personal customs.
If your loved one has passed away abroad or wishes to be laid to rest in another country, our repatriation services facilitate a smooth and respectful transfer, handling all necessary arrangements to ease your burden during this challenging time.
Creating lasting memories is essential in the grieving process. We assist East Peckham families in selecting fitting memorials, from headstones to personalised keepsakes, ensuring a tribute that resonates with your loved one’s legacy.
Our team can help craft and publish obituaries, sharing the story of your loved one’s life with the East Peckham community and beyond, preserving their memory for future generations.
Welham Jones is committed to supporting East Peckham families with empathy and professionalism, guiding you through each step to create a meaningful farewell for your loved one.
To travel from East Peckham to Welham Jones Funeral Directors in Tonbridge, start by heading south-west on Snoll Hatch Road for 0.3 miles. Continue straight onto Addlestead Road and follow it for another 0.3 miles.
Next, turn left onto Tonbridge Road and continue for 1.2 miles before merging onto Three Elm Lane. Follow this road for 2.1 miles, then turn left onto Hadlow Road East (A26) and continue for 1.6 miles.
Keep straight as Hadlow Road becomes the A227 and follow it for 0.4 miles. Finally, turn left onto High Street (B2260), where your destination will be on the right.
[1] Holy Trinity Church, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LL, https://maps.app.goo.gl/qaTReLgWS11dVeBh8
[2] The East Peckham Flood Relief partnership, via the UK Government website https://environment.data.gov.uk/flood-planning/explorer/cycle-2/measure?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fenvironment.data.gov.uk%2Fflood-risk-planning%2Fdata%2Fmeasure%2F0202006010
[3] Bullen Farm, 166 Bullen Ln, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LX, https://maps.app.goo.gl/SrCjgj46xD8FsxSv6
[4] The Russett Players, https://www.facebook.com/therussettplayers/
[5] Events in East Peckham via the East Peckham Parish Council website, https://eastpeckham-pc.gov.uk/events/
[6] St Michael’s Church, East Peckham, located at Old Church Ln, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5NG, https://maps.app.goo.gl/brM9mh4caWb2F1F17
[7] Methodist Church, found at Pound Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5AU, https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XGLDeQ8qwxg5Mrz5
[8] Village Hall East Peckham, Bush Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LL, https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmZxgNeGVX7UZudR8
[9] Village Hall website https://www.eastpeckham-villagehall.org/
[10] Jubilee Hall, via East Peck Parish Council website, https://eastpeckham-pc.gov.uk/locations/jubilee-hall-east-peckham/
[11] Sports Hall via the East Peckham Parish Council website, https://eastpeckham-pc.gov.uk/eppc/facility-hire/
[12] Beltring railway station, located at Tonbridge ME18 6BZ, https://maps.app.goo.gl/4ybaWTv7UXc88HJx8
[13] The East Peckham River Walk, via the Explore Kent website, https://explorekent.org/activities/east-peckham-river-walk/
[14] The Man of Kent, 226 Tonbridge Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LA, https://maps.app.goo.gl/gAPFtdiL6w4HQ4rt5
[15] The Man of Kent website https://www.themanofkentpub.com/
[16] East Peckham Primary School, website https://www.east-peckham.kent.sch.uk/
[17] East Peckham Primary School, found at 130 Pound Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LH, https://maps.app.goo.gl/nFbGx2NiEbNE7JjW6
[17] Red Fort Gurkha – East Peckham, 14 Hale St, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5HL, https://maps.app.goo.gl/d4V7cnJQ2dLKfxKH9
[18] Khan Spice, 2 Bullen Ln, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5LX, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHhwbDcWViz8as55A
[19] Oriental Gourmet Kitchen, 5 Old Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5AT, https://maps.app.goo.gl/zx9AAsKSB46dUskK7
[20] The Pound Fish Bar, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/poundfishbar/
[21] The Pound Fish Bar, The Pound Fish Bar, https://maps.app.goo.gl/95sYn5F7BshzbdgZA
[22] The Village Grill, Branbridges Rd, East Peckham, Tonbridge TN12 5HF, https://maps.app.goo.gl/q7QcXNxSCU7TbkK47
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