Page 33 - Frittenden Parish Mag - June - 2021

The WI Historical Society

tea and cakes at the last garden. The her national and international attention.
July meeting will be a talk by Margaret Elizabeth Her influence beyond Kent made her so
Watson on Life on a Harp String and will dangerous to Henry VIII, Katherine of
be held in the Church whilst renovations Barton of Aragon and Ann Boleyn that Elizabeth
are taking place in the village hall. Barton had to be put to death. Melanie’s
In August we have a trip to Hastings Aldington – the talk enabled the audience to take the Holy
organised with a tour of the old town by a Maid of Kent Maid’s journey by illustrating what can
Blue badge guide. be seen today at the key sites that led to

Our Annual meeting was held on 11 We are always glad to see new members a talk by Melanie Gibson-Barton Elizabeth Barton’s execution at just age 28
May when Anne Holroyd was re-elected and in normal times we meet on the in 1534.
as President for the next year. A new second Tuesday of the month at 7.15 in Melanie explained that the talk was
Committee has also been formed. the village hall (not June or August). The April meeting of the Society, using commissioned in 2017 by the Aldington
Our first meeting, when we can get Contact Anne Holroyd on 01580 893256 video communication, was the first Society and in 2020 she also provided the
meeting since February 2020 and was
together outside, will be on 8 June and for further information. also the AGM. The speaker was Melanie talk to a USA audience: The USA Barton
will be a Garden Safari visiting three Ros Bowles Gibson-Barton who explored the story Society, that seeks to link with Bartons
members gardens and the meeting with across the world, who described her talk
of Elizabeth Barton, a servant girl born as ‘awesome!’.
in Aldington in 1506 during the reign of
the first Tudor King, Henry VII.
of
During the reign of his son, Henry VIII Smarden
PHIPPS MOTORS
PHIPPS MOTORS
and his wife Katherine of Aragon the PHIPPS MOTORS
est.1984
young woman’s visions and prophesies www.phippsmotors.co.uk
Tel: 01233 770171
caught the attention of the Archbishop
of Canterbury who provided a dowry
for her to become a nun at a convent
in Canterbury. Melanie’s illustrated • MOTs
talk highlighted the many local Kent
connections which caused Elizabeth • Servicing and repairs
Barton’s number of supporters to grow as • Diagnostics
she sought to support the Catholic church • Tyres and batteries
at a time when Protestant views were
gaining strength. • Air conditioning
In Henry’s desperate need to secure his • Welding
throne with a son and heir through a • Digital 4 wheel alignment
marriage to Ann Boleyn Melanie showed
that the prophesies of Holy Maid of Kenfield Coachworks, Mill Lane, Smarden TN27 8NW
Kent became more political, bringing Your local family run garage

32 Frittenden Parish Magazine June 2021 Frittenden Parish Magazine June 2021 33