The community of Pluckley 1500-1650: people, place and belonging

Abstract

This thesis is a historical study of the village of Pluckley in Kent, which explores the life experiences of individuals and the collective personality of an early modern community. Chapter one considers the consequences of gavelkind on individuals as well as the influence it had on the shaping of the community. Pluckley’s social structure was fluid as a result of the settled, inter-generational nature of a high proportion of the community and its vast kinship networks. The predominant historical interpretations that servants were mobile and that there was a reliance at the time on retainers is challenged in chapter two, which provides an investigation into the Dering household. In chapter three, the people of the parish are then placed within the Wealden landscape that shaped local settlement patterns. This chapter discusses the importance of spatial interactions and explores whether the community felt a sense of place. Also investigated are the many physical, spiritual, economic and social components of the church of Saint Nicholas, as well as its central role as the administrative centre of the parish. The concluding chapter looks at how the character of the community influenced how it responded to the changes and challenges of the early modern period, including those of a political and religious nature. Neighbourliness was very important to them but, like many of the Weald, the community did not shy away from asserting their views. Through this immersive understanding of the village and its defining characteristics, a greater understanding of the relationship between change at local and national levels during the early modern period is attained.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English