| Elmsted | |
|---|---|
 St James has an unusual belfry on the tower | |
  Elmsted Location within Kent | |
| Population | 312 (parish, 2021 Census) |
| OS grid reference | TR115449 |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Ashford |
| Postcode district | TN25 |
| Post town | Canterbury |
| Postcode district | CT4 |
| Dialling code | 01233 |
| Police | Kent |
| Fire | Kent |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| UK Parliament | |
Elmsted is a small village and civil parish in the Folkestone and Hythe District of Kent, England. It lies west of Stone Street (the B2068), a Roman road connecting Canterbury and Lympne. The parish includes the hamlets of Bodsham, North Leigh, and Evington. Elmsted had a population of 312 according to the 2021 Census.[1]
The village is known for its rural character, historic connections, and scattered settlements reflecting its agricultural origins. Elmsted's parish council consists of six elected members who oversee local matters.[2]
The name "Elmsted" originates from the abundance of elm trees that once grew in the area during Saxon times, combined with "sted," meaning 'place' in Old English.[3] Its focal point is St James the Great Church, a Grade I listed building, notable for its medieval origins and unusual wooden belfry.[4]
Despite its small size, Elmsted maintains a strong community spirit, supported by local amenities such as Bodsham Church of England Primary School, a pub, and several bed-and-breakfasts that contribute to its rural economy.
- ^ "Elmsted Population 2021". City Population. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Elmsted Parish Council". Folkestone and Hythe District Council. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ Lior (10 November 2011). "Meaning of Place Names: Why do we call places by certain names?". www.saywhydoi.com. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ Historic England. "CHURCH OF ST JAMES - 1241752". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 16 November 2024.