Otford Village : A Heritage Village in North-West Kent
The Otford Solar System
The scale of this model is 1:4,595,700,000 (ie 1mm = 4,595.7km). The Sun is represented by a 303mm diameter dome and each planet by a scale engraving on a flat disc. On this scale, the nearest star is 8,844km away, near Los Angeles USA! And if you were to cross the Milky Way, our local galaxy, you would have to stay on board the jet for twenty four years.
Pickmoss
No 69 High street, Pickmoss and Pickmoss Cottage is a grade II* listed building.
This Medieval open-hall house was reconstructed in 1951. The Western half retains its original C15-16 timbering.
The Church Hall
St Bartholomew's Church Hall is a simple building of 1910, built by the practice of Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, and
much extended and altered during the mid-C20. It is constructed from ordinary materials, but displays some
of the vernacular and Arts and Crafts characteristics of the early C20. This is reflected in the steep pitch and
height of the roof which terminates in flared eaves resting on horizontal tiles, and the inclusion of tiled
air-vents and nesting boxes. Lutyens’ characteristics are also present in the simplified classical references
found in the regular multi-paned sash windows and the high-set multi-paned window on the principal
elevation. Pevsner (1980, p 448) notes that the hall is a 'good example of a simple building designed so that it
does not hector its simple companions, but managing to get the proportions just right'.
The Millennium mosaic occupies the lower part of the wall facing the High Street.
The River Darent - Mill leat
The Darent flows through the Village on its way from its source in Westerham to its junction with the Thames at Dartford.
You can read more about the history and stories of the River Darent and its communities in the book Darent by local author Rod Shelton
The River Darent - Mill leat
The Darent flows through the Village on its way from its source in Westerham to its junction with the Thames at Dartford.
You can read more about the history and stories of the River Darent and its communities in the book Darent by local author Rod Shelton
Otford Palace
Otford's Hidden Palace was home to 52 archbishops up to the 16th Century. Although only part of the buildings remain, there is a major project to conserve the Palace as a visitor interpretation centre for the Darent Valley.