Loose village is located about 3 miles south of Maidstone. The old village and valley are designated an Article 4 conservation area. New housing is encroaching closer to the conservation boundaries and increasing the pressure on the insular community of the old village. The photographs in this section are to record the parish and immediate surroundings of Loose before the inevitable annexation to Maidstone. 

General Scenes 

The village of Loose has an interesting history. The Loose valley is connected along its length by the Loose stream which is fed by many springs that appear throughout the valley. The stream powered several water mills in the past, probably for the paper making trade. The purity of the spring water helping to provide a fine quality paper. In the valley there are a number of lime kilns and dip wells which are now in such decay they are difficult to find. The valley and surrounding area has and is still used to graze sheep, grow soft fruits and support orchards. To the east, toward Boughton Monchelsea, the valley is heavily wooded and covers the site of ancient quarry works. The name Loose is said to be derived from an Anglo Saxon word meaning ‘pig sty’. There are several ancient buildings in the village one of which is the Wool House which is now owned by the National Trust.