The Society is immensely proud of its publishing record. Lyminge a history now extends to 107 chapters over 14 volumes, including much original research. We are delighted to announce the publication of the second edition of Part One, which has been substantially revised and expanded, and is now published in colour. The new edition of Part One is on sale now. Just follow the link to discover more.
Lyminge a history series
The idea of producing a written history of the parish came from the late Duncan Harrington in 2008. Duncan was a local resident and professional historian. He served as editor for Parts 4 to 11 and wrote many chapters for the series, drawing upon his vast knowledge of local history. Although Duncan sadly died in 2023, the mantle of editor has been taken on by Rob Baldwin, another local historian and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in London. New volumes of Lyminge a history continue to be published regularly.
The series records aspects of the social history of the parish, focusing on its people, buildings and businesses, with a few chapters covering its natural history and the geology of the local area.
We have avoided the timeline style of history and in its place we publish on themes, sometimes devoting a whole volume to a subject, and sometimes providing an eclectic mix of subjects, always seeking where possible to relate the past to present.
For example, Part 3 deals primarily with The Second World War and its effects on the lives of parishioners. Part 5 looks at the war service of men commemorated on the parish War Memorial. But these two volumes do not prevent us pursuing the wartime theme elsewhere and it is continued, for example, in Chapter 106 in Part 14 that covers the view of the Battle of Britain from Lyminge.
Wherever possible we illustrate the text with copies of contemporary photographs, drawings, maps and paintings, licensed where necessary. We are grateful to the national institutions that make such images available free of charge because of the non-commercial objects of the society.
For a full list of volumes click here. Click each item to view a chapter synopsis.
The contributors are drawn from local residents, who are predominantly enthusiastic but nevertheless amateur historians. We are also grateful for those who have been willing to share their professional expertise, which greatly adds to the range and depth of what we have been able to cover.
As all the contributors give their time without charge, as does the editor who prepares each volume for publication and makes it ready for printing, we can produce the volumes at very reasonable cost.
The individual volumes cost £5 each for Parts 2-5, £6 for Parts 6 and 7 and £7 for Parts 8-13. Our latest two volumes, Part 14 and the 2nd edition of Part 1, are available at £8 each, maintaining the cover price at the same real level since we began publication in 2010.
The rise in printing costs over the years is the primary reason for the difference in pricing. In later publications we have introduced full colour to those illustrations where the original is in colour, but advances in printing technology mean that colour no longer affects the cost of printing in the format we use.
Guides
These were intended for residents and visitors alike, providing a useful set of guidebooks to our parish and the local area. Since they were first written, a range of new information has entered the public realm. A series of information panels has been installed around the core of the village creating a short heritage trail. It is also possible to download a guided tour of the parish church and churchyard on the Church Explorer app, and there is a display with interactive software in the church itself. A history of the parish can also be accessed on the heritage pages of the Lyminge Parish Council website. These resources are currently the best way of learning about the heritage of Lyminge.
Lyminge – a guided walk
This guidebook is currently out of print. We have delayed reprinting while the guide is updated to take account of the substantial new information about the archaeology of Lyminge that has come to light since it was first written.
Etchinghill Guide
This guide was completely re-written in 2014 which enabled the author to not only update the text but to also enlarge the content incorporating three illustrated local circular walks. As with the Lyminge Guide the reader is taken on an historical tour including some of the most beautiful views of the parish.
Lyminge Church & Graveyard Guide
The Lyminge Church and Graveyard Guide is also now out of print. A copy can be consulted in the parish church but it is not available for purchase. Please note that the guide to burials in the churchyard only lists those with extant memorials and unmarked graves are not listed. The church now offers an on-line guide to the church and churchyard downloadable on the Church Explorer app, but please note that the external tour is focused on the church building itself and the significant monuments within the churchyard. If you need help tracing a grave in the churchyard, contact the church wardens.