Brogdale


Brogdale is a hamlet in Kent, England, located beside the M2 motorway south of Faversham. It is one of several hamlets making up the civil parish of Ospringe and is in the Borough of Swale.

History

Brogdale was once called "Brokedale". This name comes from the family of John de Brokedale, who resided in the district in the early middle ages. After the family became extinct through lack of male lineage, the manor was owned by John Clerk, who was recorded as living in Brogdale in 1383. In 1734, the parish was owned by Mr. John Knowler, the Mayor of Faversham.
On 10 August 2003 the temperature at Brogdale reached, a record for the United Kingdom.

Farm

Brogdale Farm is home to the United Kingdom's National Fruit Collection, one of the largest collections of fruit trees and plants in the world. The farm occupies a site and has housed the collection since it moved from Wisley in 1952. In the 1980s, the Government cut funding to the site, with closure threatened by March 1990. In response, the Brogdale Horticultural Trust took over co-ownership of the farm with Wye College. It has been the home of Faversham miniature railway since 2001.
The farm runs regular fruit-themed festivals throughout the summer and autumn, including the Cherry Festival in July, the Cider Festival in August and the Apple Festival in October. During the fairs, visitors can explore the orchards and there are several expert talks on the various produce.