ベネンデンのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

These old windmills are the best proof that people were clever enough a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that resulted from it - to harness the power of the elements for their own purposes: no human or animal muscle power is needed for the grinding process, but the wind captured by the covered wings is enough to drive the heavy millstones and thus, for example, to grind flour from grain (grain mills) or to press oil from olives (oil mills). Often they are only technical and historical evidence of a long tradition of craftsmanship, because most - although fortunately not all - of the old mills have been abandoned over time.

Almost nothing reliable is known about the life of Saint GEORGE, to whom the church of Benenden was dedicated, but the veneration of him stretches back to early Christianity. A martyr who is equated with George is said to have lived in the third century. The legend of Saint George as a dragon slayer is well known and widespread, however, and he is usually depicted - in paintings or as a statue - as the conqueror of the monster, often as a knight on horseback. The memorial day of the very popular George in the calendar of saints is celebrated on April 23rd in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Among other things, he is the patron saint of the English kingdom, and some of the orders and decorations awarded there also bear his name.

It's a pleasure to run through this ancient woodland. There are many tree species, but sweet chestnut and hornbeam are particularly abundant.

Union Mill is a Grade I-listed smock mill and is one of the tallest of its kind in Britain. Built in 1814 by millwright James Humphrey, the grand timber-framed structure continues to grind corn to this very day. The mill is free to enter (a donation is requested). For more information, visit: unionmill.org.uk.

Coppers were operated. The poles were felled every five to seven years.

In this pretty forest area the trees were used for timber production. Iron was mined. Iron hammers were used to work metal on streams using water power.

Interesting equipment. There is an ancient yew tree in the entrance area.

The work and valour of a secretive WW2 Auxiliary Patrol has been remembered with the erection of a display board at a prominent footpath on the Hole Park Estate in Rolvenden