Biddenden, Kent
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE RATING: 
HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: The 12th century Siamese twins called the Biddenden Maids are still remembered in the town sign, and the dole they established is still distributed annually

A village famous as the birthplace of the Biddenden Maids, a pair of Siamese twins who were joined at the hip and shoulder. Marie and Eliza Chulkhurst were born in Biddenden in 1100 and lived here to a respectable age (for that era) of 34. When they died they left 18 acres of land, the income from which was to provide an annual dole of bread and wine to the poor of the parish.
This 'Biddenden Dole' is distributed each year on Easter Monday, along with biscuits imprinted with a likeness of the Maids, to anyone who requests it. The Biddenden Maids were quite famous during their lifetimes, and are remembered in the village sign on the small, triangular green.
The village High Street is lined with some extremely attractive half-timbered medieval and Jacobean buildings, aligned on either side of a cobbled pavement. Many of these are old weavers cottages, as weaving was the core economic activity of this area of the Weald for many years. This clothing heritage is remembered in the impressive Cloth Hall, just north of the green.
The church of All Saints at Biddenden is mainly 13th and 14th century, with a collection of interesting memorial brasses.
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
About Biddenden
Address: Biddenden,
Kent,
England
Attraction Type: Village
Location: The village of Biddenden is located on the A262, 5 miles east of Cranbrook
Location map
Biddenden Photos
OS: TQ849382
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Historic Time Periods:
Medieval
Find other attractions tagged with:
14th century (Time Period) -
Medieval (Time Period) -