Birchington was first recorded in 1240 as Birchenton, a name derived from the Old English words ‘bircen tun’, meaning a farm where birch trees grow.[1] Archaeological evidence has shown the area was inhabited before the existence of the village: Roman and prehistoric artefacts have been discovered in the area, and Minnis Bay was once the site of an Iron Age settlement.
All Saints’ Church dates to around 1350
Archives show the village’s All Saints’ Church dates to around 1350.[3] In the early 15th century, Quex Park manor house—named after the park’s second owner, John Quek—was built just south of the village.[2] The ownership of the manor passed to various families until 1770 when it was acquired by the present owners, the Powell family.[4] In the late 17th century, the house was visited by King William III.[2]