The King's Arms, Market Square
WESTERHAM IS A PARADOX OF GEOGRAPHY - perched on a hill, yet at the same time nestling in a valley. Look along virtually any street from the centre, and you'll see the road falling away downhill while a backdrop of verdant countryside climbs up and away beyond.
The countryside crowds in on Westerham. Turn off Vicarage Hill and walk the short length of Mill Street - fifty yards, perhaps? - and you're amongst the butter-cups bordering the River Darent. And The Green boasts more grass than you'll find in many an entire village.
Much of this town's character lies in what might be called the inner entrances or gateways to the centre - at London House in the north, the Manor House in the west and Yew Tree Cottage on Vicarage Hill in the east, each one providing a distinct and pleasing feeling of 'having arrived' in the heart of the town.
Architecturally, the heart is healthy - thanks to those five or six centuries of building designs and styles and the melodious mix they have given us. Let us remember that it is changing fashion that has created this interest and variety; so let's continue to welcome change. We need to manage development, not hold out against it.
However, any future construction should be planned in a way that respects the historical value and interest of the town's ancient buildings; no new structure must be allowed to dominate these, detract from them or .......>
