The New Playground of Kent

The New Playground of Kent: Greatstone and Littlestone Then and Now

Many are familiar with Dungeness, but few are so aware of the charms of its neighbouring coastal villages. This is a shame, as they have a lot to offer and have fascinating – albeit short – histories. At the turn of the twentieth century, anyone who was anyone in high society was a member of Littlestone Golf Club. Many bought second homes here just to play the course, and part-time residents included serving and former Prime Ministers, members of the judiciary and even a Hollywood starlet.

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In contrast, Greatstone – the majority of which was still under the sea for much of the 19th century – was marketed as the New Playground of Kent in the 1930s, and was arguably the first settlement in the UK to be constructed under the Town Planning Act.  Yet this is only a small part of the story. Both these villages were in the invasion front line in World War II; and Greatstone was at the forefront of pioneering work which predated the invention of radar, also playing a pivotal role in the remarkable Pipe Line Under the Ocean (PLUTO) project. But, whilst a glittering future was mapped out – plans included a pier at Littlestone – the area didn’t take off in the way envisaged; although it didn’t quite become the quiet backwater that one of the Great Train Robbers had hoped when he tried unsuccessfully to find anonymity here.  

This book – which also encompasses the satellite villages of Lade and Lydd-on-Sea – traces the history of this unique part of Romney Marsh and the individuals who have shaped its development.

Reviews for this book:

This I think is the first book devoted solely in any great depth to Greatstone and Littlestone and it has been compiled and written by Keith Swallow. Some of you might recall Keith’s previous books, ‘Much Drinking in the Marsh’, which was a history of the pubs and breweries of Romney Marsh, and ‘Nanny Goat Island’, a comprehensive look at Dungeness.
For his latest book, Keith has delved into the history and development of Littlestone,
Greatstone and Lydd-on-Sea. This 216 page book, complete with lots of photos, is very good value at £15 to anyone who has the slightest interest in the area.
(The Looker April 2021)

The best delivery ever and the item to have most exceeded my expectations!
SD (eBay) April 2021

The best book I’ve ever read on this wonderful area and a pleasure to buy it from this
excellent seller – and author.
(JN eBay May 2021)

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with this book. So often local history books can be pretty perfunctory but this is an absolute joy! My parents and I are currently fighting over it.
The photo of the sound mirrors made me buy it, it’s fab. You’ve absolutely made my day
thank you
(SC April 2021)