Kent's history in newspapers: ten defining moments

Local newspapers document ten events from 1765 to 1994 that helped shape Kent, and Findmypast is offering free access to its regional newspaper archive until February 16.

Local newspapers have long recorded moments that shaped Kent. A recent feature highlights ten events from the 18th to the late 20th century as reported in regional titles such as the Kentish Gazette, Kent Messenger and Kentish Express. The items range from naval launches and scientific inventions to social unrest and major infrastructure projects. Findmypast is making its regional newspaper archive available free until Monday, February 16. Key events: - 1765: HMS Victory was launched from Chatham Dockyard and later became Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar. - 1801: A one-inch Ordnance Survey map of Kent (the Mudge Map) was published after a military survey. - 1823: Brothers John and Charles Deane patented a “smoke helmet” that was later adapted for diving and used in salvage work. - 1830: The Swing Riots began in Kent, with agricultural labourer unrest and machine-breaking reported in local papers. - 1940: Around 700 small boats from Ramsgate joined Operation Dynamo to assist in the Dunkirk evacuations. - 1994: The Channel Tunnel linking Folkestone and Calais was opened, completing an undersea rail connection. Summary: The selection shows how local reporting has documented a variety of developments in Kent’s past, including maritime, scientific, social and transport milestones. These reports are gathered in a Findmypast newspaper archive that is being offered with free access until February 16. The longer-term availability of this curated feature is undetermined at this time.