About the town » Biddenden, Kent, England, Great Britain

Biddenden is a village and civil parish in the Ashford District of Kent, England. The village lies on the Weald of Kent, some five miles (8 km) north of Tenterden. It was centre for Wealden iron industry and also of clothmaking. During the reign of Edward III some Flemish clothworkers settled in the area. The ready availability of raw materials led to the establishment of an industry for the production of broadcloth. An important cottage industry is established to the west, where wine and cider is produced. Biddenden is also the trading name of Biddenden's Cider. Biddenden's cider is made by Biddenden Vineyards Ltd. whose premises are close to the village. In 1100, Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, a pair of conjoined twins, were supposedly born in the village. The Biddenden Maids, as they became known, are celebrated in the village sign. On December 21, 1821, LDS Church leader and Utah pioneer John R. Winder was born in Biddenden.