KENT can probably claim to have more unique features in its history than most other counties, all fully reflected in this Atlas. The Cathedral at Canterbury with its medieval shrine to St Thomas Becket requires the general subject of pilgrimage to be covered in detail; the Cinque Ports - the echoes of their ancient privileges still apparent by the early 19th century - are another Kentish phenomenon; Romney Marsh, although not quite the separate continent that some claim, is nevertheless well worthy of the detailed account of its medieval history; Kent's perennial role as a gateway is perfectly illustrated by the 'Strangers' from the near Continent who settled widely here in the 16th and 17th centuries. Kent's industrial history is dominated by the unique concentration of royal dockyards; while the story of Kent's coalfield, isolated from its cousins in the North and Midlands, is yet another remarkable chapter.

Finally, being located between the Capital and the shortest crossing to the Continent, Kent's relationship with London has been exceptionally close since medieval times and is a recurring theme in this Atlas. This comprehensive, new Historical Atlas, based on current research, fills a notable gap in the published histories of the County and will serve for many years as an important work of reference for the history of Kent. The 250 newly-drawn and reader-friendly maps cover topics ranging from the earliest Stone-Age occupation to such modern developments as the growth of leisure industries.

Several topics not usually covered in county historical atlases are included, for example the introduction of public water and gas supplies in the 19th century, together with the expansion of banking services and the local press. Virtually every aspect of Kent's history is clearly mapped and explained in this remarkable new work. Though Kent has seen much in its time, it has never before seen a book like this, which will be welcomed well beyond the Kentish borders.