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DAY OF SYN DYMCHURCH UNDER THE WALL SERVE GOD, HONOUR THE KING, BUT FIRST MAINTAIN THE WALL Welcome to our Day of Syn 2016 It all started when the then vicar of St Peter and Pauls wanted to raise funds to repair the church roof. The Vicar got together with a group of villagers to discuss funding. They came up with the idea of a fete, they then decided to give it a local theme. Smuggling and Dr Syn was what they came up with using the Dr Syn stories by Russell Thorndyke. A group of village people were asked to organize the day. In the beginning it was just one day only, on the Bank Holliday Monday. All the local charities could then raise there own funding on the fete field. Battle of the Beach 3
- Russell Thorndike - 1885-1972 First and foremost we must pay respect to Russell Thorndike, forwithout his wonderful novels this event would be taking place. Russell was a frequent visitor to Dymchurch where his mother owned a cottage in Marine Terrace. The first Dr. Syn book was written in a life boat cottage on the sea wall. He particularly enjoyed village life and was keen to help with local activities. Russell Thorndike passed away in Norfolk on 10 November 1972, aged 87. If he were still here today I am sure he would love watching our version of Dr. Syn. We thank him for making this a special day. The books of Dr. Syn were written by Russell Thorndike during his visits to Dymchurch. He would sit on the sea wall and write his stories using fact and fiction, local names and local places. The first of these novels was written in a Lifeboat cottage on the sea wall. Dr. Syn was killed off in his first book however it became such a hit, six books were written as pre sequels. Three films were also made 1937 Black and white film entitled Doctor Syn starred George Arliss and Margaret Lockwood 1962 Peter Cushing starred in the Hammer Film production, Captain Clegg with Dr Syns name being changed to Parson Blyss to avoid copyright problems with Walt Disney's 1963 version. 1963 Patrick McGoohan, George Cole and Michael Horden starred The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, a 3 part film for TV. 4
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- Dymchurch - 111 Well not quite as I remember it. In my time, the late 1780s it was a happy village with vast open space a small church and three inns. There was, however a few strange characters among the locals The Squire, The Parson, Mr Mipps and yes Dr Pepper who had all kinds of medicines and local cures for all ailments. Now a days it is a busy village with lots of houses where once was vast open fields and eerie empty marshlands that my self and my night riders once ruled There are busy roads, arcades j fun fair and a beach that thousands of people visit every year. They say that we can still be herd on a clear moon lit night~ridding across the sands and over the fields but we will leave it up to you. There are many other characters that you will meet over the weekend. Look out for us and do enjoy your week-end. - Martello Towers There are three towers in Dymchurch. They were part of 74 towers that was built along the Coast of Kent and Sussex and another 29 in Essex and Suffolk. They were built as part of the defences to beat the French but were never used as they was beaten at The Battle of Trafalgar. The design was based on a tower in the bay of Mortella Corsica. Built in 1805 It was a round tower so that The cannon balls bounced off more easily. The walls were some thirteen feet on the coast side and six feet landside. The towers were built with 250,000 bricks bonded with strong lime mortar. At the top a 24 pound gun on a rotating wooden platform would give a full 360 degree with a range of about a mile. 9
Dymchurch redoubt stands about two miles east towards Hythe and was used as a support to the towers and there supply depot. Tower 23 east end of Dymchurch has been converted into a house. Number 24 in the centre of Dymchurch is run by the English heritage. Number 25 on the west side of the village in the Martello car park is in need of repairs. - Our Beaches The beaches of Romney Marsh run from Hythe in the East to Dungeness Point, a distance of eighteen miles. There are three beaches with golden sands,: Dymchurch, St Marys Bay, Greatstone. All three are flat. With sands stretching out at low tide, Dymchurch its sandy beaches with its new sea wall attracts thousands of visitors each year. The beach being close to the facilities of the village including two car parksr cafes, restaurants, pubs and amusements provide something for everyone, and there is also the railway that runs through the village. - Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway What better way to discover the Marsh than a ride on the worlds largest smallest railway. From Hythe we pass along allotments and gardens before reaching the open fields which were once controlled by the smugglers. Passing through Dymchurch and on to New Romney where you can get of and take a break, visit the museum, have a drink before 10
traveling on across the beaches to Dungeness. There you can walk the beaches, visit the Lighthouse, if your able climb the steps and take in the views of the marshes and the views out to sea. There is a cafe at the station where you can eat and drink. Look out for Dr Syn as he once more travels across the Marsh. The railway opened almost 70 years ago, running 14 miles from Hythe across the Romney marsh to Dungeness, it became one of the most popular attractions in the south. Opening in 1927 the line ran between Hythe and New Romney and extended to Dungeness in1928. In 1940, the railway came under Control of the army, and did its bit in the war effort by transporting troops to the outlying coastal areas. After the war the railway was returned to Captain Howey and by the start of the 1946 season, trains were running from Hythe to New Romney. The rest of the line reopened in 1947. Hythe station is the only terminus having a turn table.. In the 1930s you could catch a train from Dungeness to Charing Cross. - Day of Syn Who's Who The Reverand Dr Syn Vicar of Dymchurch Oxford scholar, ace duelist, sailed the seas as captain tain Clegg the pirate, head of the Marsh smugglers alias the 'Scarcrow'. Mr. Mipps Village Sexton, local undertaker,former pirate now second in command of the night riders very disreputable, alias 'Hellspite'. Gentleman James Bone Dandy, gambler, by night the highway man Jimmy Bone, distributes the booty, rides in DR Syn's place, alias 'Beelzebub'. Mr Rash Schoolmaster, smuggler, hated by most, pursues the lovely Imogen who hates him, alias 'Lucifer', Dr Sennacherib Pepper Village Doctor, physician with potions and pills to cure all ills, his own cure for marsh ague a tot of brandy. A very elegant gentleman. 11
Mrs Waggets Landlady of the Ship Inn, serves good food, has a well stocked cellar, has her sights on Mr Mipps as husband number two. Sir Antony Cobtree Squire of Dymchurch, Magistrate, enjoys his port and riding with the hounds rather than work, a gentleman, his son Dennis is fond of Imogen, a barmaid at the Ship Inn. Lady Cobtree Wife to Sir Antony, mother to Dennis. Dennis Cobtree Young gentleman in love with Imogen, wants to marry her, hates Mr Rash who also has a desire for her. Imogen Barmaid at the Ship Inn, she does not know she is the daughter of Dr Syn, hates the attention of Mr Rash, loves Dennis, but has different social backgrounds Jerry At the Ship Inn, his aim in life is to become a hangman, Mr Rash's worst enemy. Nicholas Hyde, Jerk Pot boy revenue officer, a military man who exacts money from any one would dearly love to lay the rascally Scarecrow by the heels. Captain Collier Known as bully Collier, coast agent and commissioner sent by the admiralty to catch the night riders. Midshipman Easy Captain Collier. Assistant, confident and loyal shipmate of Lieutenant Stubbard In command of the press gang, his special mission to sign up volunteers for the Navy. Major Faunce Commander of the Dymchurch Dragoons, cocky, bombastic, thinks the Navy are idiots can't catch a cold, reckons he can catch the Scarecrow. General Pugh Gentleman soldier, sent from Dover to keep Major Faunce under control. Percy Slow wilted water carrier and messenger. The Press Gang, Soldiers, Villagers. See if you can get the signatures of the 12
Dr Syn characters throughout the day - The Smugglers Maze - 13
Dr Syn Wordsearch - CAPTAINCOLLIER DENNISCOBTREE DRSENNACHERIBPEPPER DRSYN GENERALPUGH GENTLEMANJAMESBONE IMOGEN JERRYJERK LADYCOBTREE MAJORPAUNCE MIDSHIPMANEASY MRMIPPS MRRASH MRSSWAGGETS NICHOLASHYDE PERCY PRESSGANG SIRANTHONYCOBTREE 14
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- Smuggling Since times gone by Kent has been the smuggling capital. Why; because of its closeness to France and the freedom of movement in any direction. Smuggling can be traced back to the times of the Saxons, but it was not until the 1700 and 1800s that smuggling took a hold. The early smugglers were known as Owlers and the smuggled goods out of the country as well. What they smuggled out was wool; the finest wool in the country known as Canterbury wool. It was in great demand both here in this country and abroad so the government placed a high export tax on wool so as to keep it in this country for our factories, and workers They also made it a hanging offence for smuggling wool, but this only made it more profitable for the smugglers. Then we saw the growth of the gangs, nasty, vicious Hawkhurst, Mayfield, Groombridge. Kent had so many gangs big and small, carpenters, ex soldiers and navy who weren't needed after the threat of war had passed were members of the gangs, Most of the village were some way involved The local landlord,,vicar and the Magistrate received a little something. - Local Smugglers The smugglers of old were a sad bad bunch despicable, and violent, yet because they helped to Support the community they thought they were better than the highway man or the pirate Who only filled there own pockets. The smuggler, he pitted his wits and nerve against the Law. We in Dymchurch had our own band of smugglers, just up the road at Aldington. The Aldington gang or the blues as they were known. They rose to fame in the 19th century and worked the 21
coast from Deal to Camber. There first leader was called Cephus Quested. He met his match when he was captured along with Richard Wraight on 11 th February 1821. Richard Wraight was released with insufficient evidence but the knew Quested smuggler,tax evasion fraud theft murder. He was tried, found guilty and hung. Things went quiet for a while but just down the road there was some one else who had ideas of leading the gang. His name was John Ransley. He lived at Ruckinge. Born in 1728, he was a farmer and a wagoner. He met and married Elizabeth Bailey, her father was second in command of the old gang. Two of his cousins, James and William, were hung for robbery and horse stealing at Penneden Heath. Ransley was soon rising in the ranks to lead the Aldington gang. Though nasty and violent, he was well organised with his doctor in Brookland and a lawyer at Ahford. He looked after and provided for his men. His downfall came on30th July 1826. He and his gang were returning from Dover when he and his men were confronted by two Blockade men, the gang opened fire seriously wounding them. When news of this reached the authorities, they thought it was time to put an end to these gangs. A reward was posted for information leading to the capture of this gang. Ransley was captured after he was betrayed by two of his own men. Several of his men were also arrested. They were brought to trial at Maidestone court on the 12th of January 1827. They pleaded guilty being defended by their lawyer from Ashford the gang were to hang, but after some incriminating evidence was given naming people in high places and so on. Ransley and his men were sent to Portsmouth. After spending several months aboard a hulk (a prison ship), they were transported to Tasmania where Ransley was put to work on a prison farm. This suited him very well, he worked hard and it was not long before he had his own land to work. His family joined him out there, they soon became wealthy and friends of the community. Ransley died at the age of 77 from yellow jaundice. With his death 22
fell the curtains on one of the greatest Kentish gangs and an end to the smuggling fraternity. Today our coasts still remain the most important, only the cargo has changed to drugs and human trafficking. - The Smugglers Gangs Aldington Gang -Alias 'South Kent Gang' or 'The Blues' Early leader was Cephus Quested, hung 4 July 1821. George Ransley took over leadership along with two cousins James and William (the 'Rascally Brothers'). The cousins died at the gallows at Penenden Heath in August 1800 for horse stealing and robbing the King's mail. George Ransley 1780-1856 died of yellow jaundice in Tasmania where he had been deported. Hawkhurst Gang Formed 1740's by Arthur Grey. Leadership was taken over by Thomas Kingsmill in 1747. 1749 saw the end of the main leaders. Groombridge Gang Said to be run by the Bowra family. Young John, Grandfather Thomas and father John The gang was betrayed by Jerome Knapp 1749. Mayfield Gang Leader Gabriel Thompkins otherwise Kit Jams 1717-1750. Hawkhurst, Groombridge and Mayfield gangs worked very much together. Callis Court Gang Leader Jos Snelling 1741,1769 involved in the battle of Botney Bay between Foreness Point and Kingsgate. He was the most famous Broadstairs smuggler He died aged 96 Son George and grandson both took part in smuggling. North Kent Smugglers First recorded in 1820, used the coastline between the River Medway and Ramsgate, Reculver being a favourite landing place. Burntwick Island at the mouth of the Medway was also used. Whitstable Smugglers The best known episode was a raid on an escort of nine soldiers 23
carrying a toad of captured gin with 53 smugglers involved; they recovered their gin Retribution followed when 18 year old John Knight was tried and hung at Maidstone. During the war years a profitable business was made shipping out French prisoners of war. - Day of Syn Novels Dr Syn: A Tale of the Romney Marsh The first Dr Syn novel written in 1915, we are introduced to the complex Christopher Syn, the kindly vicar of the little town of Dymchurch. Dr Syn on the High Seas The second in the series written in 1935, the story recalls his early life as a young Oxford scholar who cast aside the Bible for the sword. In his quest for revenge he takes to the sea to find his enemy and he became Captain Clegg. Dr Syn Returns Dr Syn returns to become the vicar of Dymchurch along with Mr Mipps who became the village Sexton and undertaker. He occupied the pulpit by day and rode the marshes by night as a smuggler, the scarecrow with his demon riders. The Further Adventures of Dr Syn This details Syn s adventures as leader of the gang loyal to his King. He aided the destruction of French privateers in the Channel. The Courageous Exploits of Dr Syn Dr. Syn, leader of the nightriders, meets his most dangerous enemy, Captain Blaine of the Royal Navy. The scarecrow becomes a national hero. 24
The Amazing Quest of Dr Syn Welshman arrives in Dymchurch to identify Dr Syn to inform him he has inherited a vast sum of money. He is then sought by a villain who plans to kill him and obtain his money.the Shadow of Dr Syn Once again the Reverend Dr Syn, the notorious smuggler rides as the scarecrow at the head if his nightriders on the Romney Marsh. Dr. Syn s real identity comes to light when the King s men come to Dymchurch. The strange part he played in the mystery of Romney Marsh makes Dr Syn a decidedly unusual and thrilling story. You can purchase these Dr Syn books at the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre in Dymchurch Road. - Dymchurch War Memorial The memorial is situated between the Churchyard and the New Halls walled garden The memorial was chosen to be in the form of a cross after a public meeting on January 2st 1919 and erected on the site given by the authorities of the level. An enclosed area laid out as a garden, the work designed and carried out under the supervision of Mr A H Ryan Tenison FRIBA. The cross to follow the lines of the Cross of Sacrifice as those being erected in British War Cemeteries by the government in France. The work to be carried out by local labour, monies were invited from local residents and friends of Dymchurch to honour the memory of those men who gave their lives in the great war of freedom. By October 16th 1920 the sum of 267pounds 12s 8d was raised. The cross, made of sand stone by 25
sculptors Hitch and son was duly erected by local labour With the inscriptions 1911 1910 1939 1945 THE GLORY OF GOD, AND IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF DYMCHURCH AND EASTBRIDGE WHO GAVE THERE LIVES IN THE GREAT WARS OF RIGHT ANND FREEDOM. DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY - The New Hall The New Hall in Dymchurch is a building of special interest dating from 1859, and replaced an earlier timber building destroyed by fire. Dymchurch was the seat of government on the Romney Marsh and the Lords of the Level, Jurats and Bailiffs met to discuss and rule the marshland. The primary concern of the Lords was the effective maintenance of the walls and drainage of the marshes, the group still meets annually although legislation has removed their former ruling powers. Inside the New Hall is the 18th century court room which was active until the last case in 1951 and is now a museum. - St Peter & St Pauls Church First built in the 12th Century but as the population altered and grew the church underwent many alterations & restorations. The Norman north wall & steeple were demolished but other Roman walls still remain as do the north west and south doorways. 26
In the churchyard a number of gravestones are decorated with the skull and cross bones, two tombstones in particular catch the eye, that of Solomon Pepper, a character from the Dr Syn stories, another is Charles Keeley, a smuggler killed near the Ship inn by, midshipman Richard Morgan who was himself killed by the Aldington gang in 1826 in Dover. Ad 14 27
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