Lenham Hospital
The old Lenham hospital was originally designed as a sanatorium to treat those afflicted with tuberculosis (TB) at a time when it was the dominant killer amongst young people and the only known treatment was relaxation, good nursing and plenty of fresh air. The latter was freely abundant on the North Downs above Lenham, where it was built, particularly as the attractive surrounding farmland was owned by the hospital and any patients who were physically able, were permitted to work and tend the land.
Following its completion in 1914, the primary occupants were Canadian soldiers who had been victims of gas attacks whilst in the trenches. When the war ended they were permitted to return to their native land and it was finally able to open as a sanatorium where it continued to provide sanctuary and respite for TB patients for the next thirty years or more.
The revolutionary breakthrough of anti-TB drugs made a dramatic difference from 1948 onwards and as the need for TB beds declined it was possible to admit patients with any type of chest disease, ranging from acute to chronic.
By 1974 the requirement for beds became so insignificant that all the remaining patients, medical staff and a number of nurses were transferred to Preston Hall Hospital in Aylesford and some of the psychiatric patients of Leybourne Grange took up residence.
By 1986 the hospital was vacated and later demolished and a new housing development now exists in its place.
By 1986 the hospital was vacated and later demolished and a new housing development now exists in its place.
The Lenham Cross
Looming poignantly over the village on the North Downs lies the famous Lenham Cross war memorial unveiled in 1922 to commemorate the 42 local casualties of WW1 but now to the lives lost in both wars.
During WWII it was necessary to conceal the cross so that it would not serve as a navigational aid for the enemy pilots. By the end of the war it was exposed again, by which time there were fourteen additional names to add to the memorial stones behind it. The memorial stones have since been moved closer to the church.
Countryside Walks
Flanked by these magnificent chalky hills, although effortlessly accessible from the A20, the farmland surrounding Lenham is a colourful weave of earthy tones and luscious greens. Within this glorious countryside exists a network of spidery public footpath trails rendering it the perfect setting for a country walk punctuated with a hearty lunch in one of the historic public houses.