SWANSCOMB, (Kent) by the Thames, 2 m. W. of Gravesend, has the traces of small camps and forts in its p. particularly on
Reads-Hill, in the mounts, and in the park. The manor, which was anciently held of Rochester Castle, and owed service for
its defence, was in the Talbots family, from Rich. II. to the end of the R. of Hen. VI. when it was sold to Sir Thomas
Brown of Beachworth-Castle, who had a grant for a Fair here on Whit-Tu. and whose son, Sir William, in the R. of Edw. IV.
surrendered it to the K. for the use of his mother, the Dss. of Yorkshire, On her decease it reverted to the crown, and Q.
Eliz. granted it to Ralph Weldon; in whose descendants it was lately, if it be not now. This is said to be the place,
where the Kentish men, sheltered with boughs in their hands like a moving wood, surprized William the Conq. and, throwing
down their boughs, threatned battle, if they had not their ancient customs and franchises; which he thereupon granted.