One of my Christmas presents was the book Cakes and Ale by Somerset Maugham, which is set in Whitstable (which he calls Blackstable). It's fun identifying the places he mentions - Herne Bay becomes Ferne Bay, and Canterbury switches round to become Tercanbury! Joy Lane keeps its own name. He keeps mentioning two pubs: the Bear and Key which is familiar to me, but the Duke of Kent I'm not sure of. Anyone recognise it? (This book was purchased in Harbour Books.)

By susanhubbard at 15:31 on 28/12/10

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The Duke of Kent is a pub in Faversham... I think. I vaguely remember reading something by Somerset Maugham at A Level, but like everything I learnt at A Level I've neither retained it nor pursued it. I should probably catch up on 'important' literature. I was given Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for Christmas, which now means that I have to read Pride and Prejudice... Not sure if that's a gift or just a bid to expose glaring omissions in my cultural knowledge. Any good?

By Jen_Beard at 18:34 on 29/12/10
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But you should read P & P and enjoy it! Austen had many Kentish connections. Look at the website http://tinyurl.com/33o926w to find out about these.

By knittingnancy at 19:37 on 29/12/10
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I'm sure the Duke of Kent in Somerset Maugham was in Whitstable. What was the pub in Harbour Street called? He seems to use the correct names for pubs, instead of disguising them.

By susanhubbard at 15:07 on 31/12/10
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Somerset Maugham wasn't the biggest fan of Whitstable, always found it amusing the Horsebridge's main gallery is named after him!

He was raised by his uncle, the Reverend Henry Maugham, vicar of All Saints from 1871 until his death in 1897 (I think!) after his father, Robert Maugham, died in Paris in 1884 when Somerset (or "Willie", as he was known) was 10.

Seem to remember hearing stories that local at the time were shocked and outraged by "Blackstable" in Cakes and Ale as some of the names changes were still obvious and painted people in a less than flattering light.

Also seem to recall, in later life, Somerset Maugham once froze on radio and was speechless when asked about his childhood. Though understandable given the loss of his father and subsequent upheaval at a young age. And there is nothing to suggest the Rev. Maugham was a "bad" man, in fact he went out of his way to feed the town's poor in times of hardship.

For anybody interest, Rev. Maugham's grave is in the All Saints churchyard.

By N_Baker at 20:25 on 01/01/11
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