Sheep being driven along Main Street at Chiddingstone in Kent c.1920 [Author's Collection]. Map extract from Ordnance Survey Sheet 171 London S. E. OS One-Inch Map Depicted 1954, Published 1959. Crown Copyright. Reproduced with kind permission of the National Library of Scotland under the Creative Commons Attribution licence.

Sheep being driven along Main Street at Chiddingstone in Kent c.1920

With a shepherd driving a flock of sheep through the Main Street at Chiddingstone, this is a photograph that encapsulates the phrase "picture postcard village." Of course, the village has maintained high standards of neat and tidiness, possibly marshalled by their version of Lynda Snell. It could be accused of being a tadge too quaint, if it were not for the cars littering the place. Drovers these days could shepherd the tourists around the village as they search for the perfect image, as if this could be achieved with parked vehicles. In this photograph the lychgate for Saint Mary's Church can be seen to the right. The post-office is facing the lychgate and is still trading as the Village Stores in the 21st century. With almost all of the village being owned by the National Trust since 1939, Chiddingstone is widely considered to be the best-preserved Tudor village in the UK. Reportedly, it was the late Sir Henry Streatfeild that was responsible for Chiddingstone retaining its individuality. He steadfastly refused to allow anything modern to interfere with its charm and medieval make-up.¹ The building behind the shepherd is the Castle Inn. According to the National Trust, it was "originally constructed in the early 14th century, the building plan was rationalised c.1600, with further alterations in the 17th century, and modified again during the 18th century."

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References
1. "Chiddingstone Bought For The Nation" : Kent & Sussex Courier; June 30th, 1939. p.15.

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