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Man of Kent" generally refers to someone from eastern Kent, while "Kentish man" typically denotes someone from the western part of the county, with the River Medway often used as a dividing line.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Man of Kent" generally refers to someone from eastern Kent, while "Kentish man" typically denotes someone from the western part of the county, with the River Medway often used as a dividing line.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Geographical Division:
The terms are often used to distinguish between the eastern and western regions of the English county of Kent.
- The River Medway:
The River Medway is frequently cited as the line that separates "Men of Kent" (east) and "Kentish men" (west).
- History
Some suggest that the division is based on the settlement patterns of different tribes after the Romans retreated, with the Jutes settling east of the Medway and the Saxons west of it .
- The Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men
There is an Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men, which as of their 2024 annual general meeting suspended operations at the county level, meaning their branches now operate autonomously.
- Possible origins:
Some suggest the phrase "Man of Kent" might denote individuals of higher status or those with specific rights and privileges, while "Kentish man" could refer to ordinary people.
- Maids of Kent and Kentish Maid:
The female counterparts to "Men of Kent" and "Kentish men" are "Maids of Kent" and "Kentish Maid" respectively.
- Legend of the Men of Kent:
A legend tells of the Men of Kent refusing King William the Conqueror access to the east of the county without allowing them to retain certain rights and customs, a tradition that led to the continuation of Gavelkind in Kent.
- The River Medway:
