Once there were hundreds of lookers’ huts on the Romney Marsh in Kent. Now there are just 11 of the original buildings still standing.
Dating back to the 1700’s, looker’s huts were built when the Romney Marsh was considered an unhealthy place to live, and civilisation was limited. Absentee landlords employed local men to tend their flocks. These men became known as lookers and are distinguished from shepherds by the fact that lookers cared for sheep of more than one owner, whereas a shepherd was employed by a single landowner.
Lookers had to travel some distance to tend the various flocks, so lookers huts were built to house tools, medicines, spare clothing and also a bed of sorts in case the looker needed to stay.
Looker’s hut on the Romney Marsh in Kent
We are delighted to be able to offer one of the remaining original 11 looker’s huts for filming and photography. Its location on a Romney Marsh farm in Snargate, is easily accessible and offers a charming backdrop for those seeking a countryside location oozing with history and character.
