In 1778 James BINGHAM was born in Bethersden, Kent. He married Sarah KESBY in Kingsnorth where they raised a family. The 1855 Post Office Directory has a J. BINGHAM listed under 'Smiths, Blacksmiths & Farriers' in Kingsnorth, and he was probably from the same line since amongst their descendants were many blacksmiths. He was unlikely to have been the first of that trade in his family - the same Directory lists BINGHAM blacksmiths in Shadoxhurst and Great Chart. The picture above is from a print dated 1862 "The Forge, Great Chart" which my grandfather kept. He was William James BINGHAM, and the story of his twelve years as a Royal Navy seaman is also here.
I'm Bryan, a descendant of James & Sarah, and these pages follow more closely my own line (in the darker print on the Tree). If you're related to any of my ancestors, cousins, uncles, aunts... I'd like to hear from you, and if you're willing to share, add your BINGHAM ancestors (and their spouses) to the tree.
Some of my other family history interests are also centred on the county of Kent, and include a BADHAM one-name study group founded in 1999 (the earlier form of the name, AP ADAM, was in Kent in the 16th century),
and the life and activities of today's village of Elham, Kent, situated between Great Chart and the coast.
These sites have contact points too, so if you're interested in Bingham, Badham, Elham, do get in touch - Bryan.