Hythe is a small coastal market town on the edge of Romney Marsh, in the District of Shepway on the south coast of Kent. The word Hythe or Hithe is an Old English word meaning Haven or Landing Place. The town has Medieval and Georgian buildings, as well as a Saxon/Norman church on the hill and a seafront promenade. Hythe was once of such significance that it was defended by two castles, Saltwood and Lympne. The Town Hall (formerly Guildhall) was built in 1794 and its fireplace was designed by the famous Adam brothers. Hythe's market once took place in Market Square (now Red Lion Square) close to where there is now a regular Farmers' Market (every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month).
Nigel Maitland and I had spent the morning watching Ashford Town play Corby Town at the new Homelands ground. Whilst there we met Mick Ransome and Bert Hearn, who offered us a lift to Hythe for this match. The opportunity was too good to miss and we were delighted to accept Mick’s offer. Therefore one tick became two on a pleasant Sunday in Kent.
In bright sunshine, Hythe had just enough about them to overcome a spirited Yate Town FC. At the time Hythe were a booming club with a fine FA Vase run already chalked up. However, as often happens when a club progresses quickly in moving up the non-league ladder, the money runs out. A full history of the club in terms of achieve, leagues played in and names can be found at Richard Rundle's Football Club History Database.
After the game we were dropped of at Ashford station, from where we caught a return train to London. Two new grounds in a day - a bonus when we only set of for one!
