Hayes (Kent) History

Hayes Trail

The Hayes Trail is a circular trail around the buildings that survive from the Parish of Hayes in 1914. It was devised as part of the ‘Hayes Remembers‘ exhibition and details who lived there, what happened to the inhabitants and the effect of the war on Hayes. The circular trail (approximately 6 miles long in total), divided into five walks, starts at the Parish Church, St Mary the Virgin, Hayes Street, and returns to the War Memorial and Churchyard. A separate walk covers part of Hayes Road, which is now in Bromley. There are ninety-four properties or groups of properties covered, ranging from the larger properties such as Hayes Court and Hayes Grove (both listed buildings) to smaller Victorian cottages such as those in Baston Road. The present research has revealed the names of 261 men who were born, lived, worked or owned property in Hayes, who served in the First World War. There were 61 casualties. The 88-page colour trail has 124 photographs and maps. Book size height 210mm, width 150mm. Although out of print there are plans to publish a reprint. To find out more information, please email charles@wimble.uk Trial Map Sample page Sample page

Hayes Remembers

The exhibition in 2014 showed the impact of the events of the First and Second World Wars on the lives of those who lived in Hayes and on Hayes itself. It remembered those from Hayes who died or were wounded. Highlights included: Community Poppy Quilt produced by Hayes School First World War Trail around Hayes Displays by local schools The opportunity to handle artefacts from both wars Relics from the battlefield, medals and ration books etc. Letters and postcards sent home by soldiers Models of Hayes in 1914 and in 1938 Models of Hayes Place and of Hayes Church Field of Poppies Peace Quilt The Community Poppy Quilt provided an impressive focal point for the displays. Hayes School asked for individual poppy squares to be created by local individuals, community groups and from their Etwinning schools in Belgium (BerkenBoom Humanoria Bovenbouw, Sint Niklaas, Ypern), France (LP Henri Leroy, Port-Saint-Louis du Rhone), Germany (Kaufmannische Schule Aalen, Aalen, Baden Wurttemberg) and Italy (IIS ‘Cattaneo’, Monselice, Padua). Field of Poppies Peace Quilt Photographs from the exhibition Click on an image to see it full size. WWI artefacts Part of the model of Hayes in 1914 Gunner Bob’s equipment for his talks Gunner Bob and young recruit World War II artefacts World War II artefacts Handling tables World War II Handling tables World War II Well supported Well supported