Bingley means ‘within a river’. It is still encircled by The Stour and its tributaries.
It was once used for grazing. Now tall plants such as purple loosestrife and willows have created a haven for wildlife and an interesting place for visitors to explore.
Tannery Field is the green space between Rheims Way and the river, opposite the Old Tannery housing development. Long before Rheims Way was built the area was part of the city’s largest tannery, hence the name.
Archaeological surveys have suggested that Stone Age families once roamed across this area. The Celts probably settled here because it was a
Tannery Field tree planting in February 2012
convenient place to ford the river. Their huts besidethe river may have been the very beginning of the city we know as Canterbury.
See more pictures of this area.Test your knowledge of the area with our Westgate Parks Quiz
