The Bridge on Pett Bottom Road

Today I worked in Chartham again, which is usually a little more relaxed than in the Canterbury office. It remains very hot and sunny, so windows were open and fans turned up to the max. After work I drove along the country lanes from Chartham to join the A2 for the journey home, with a short diversion to visit the oddly named village of Pett Bottom.

A small settlement about 5 miles out of Canterbury,  it is surrounded by wild open farmland, with larger fields created by removing traditional hedges. The main road, Pett Bottom Road, is a long, straight country lane reminiscent of Roman roads. The area is known for its picturesque scenery, with sheep and horses grazing in the fields.

Pett Bottom is famously mentioned in Ian Fleming's James Bond novel "You Only Live Twice." In the book, it is revealed that James Bond lived in Pett Bottom with his aunt after being orphaned. Ian Fleming himself was a frequent visitor to the area and found inspiration for his writing at The Duck Inn. This historic local pub, originally called the Woodman's Arms, was built in 1623 and first sold beer in 1849. It was later renamed The Duck Inn, possibly inspired by a directive above its low doorway advising people to "Duck." The pub is renowned for its roast duck and a collection of pre-First World War port bottles. It also features a plaque commemorating Fleming, who had a favourite seat in the garden where he often wrote.