It was a great privilege to speak at Smarden Local History Society in October. Pride of place in the packed hall was a clock presented in 1886 to local farmer, George Cooper. 

George became known as the ‘Smarden Martyr, after being sentenced to one-month hard labour for his part in anti-tithe agitation. On this release, 2000 local people contributed towards buying the clock in recognition of his stand. George’s great-great grandson, Stephen Woodward, brought it to the meeting.

See report in local press: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/historic-clock-awarded-to-village-martyr-displayed-in-packed-331484/