Although now some miles away from the coastline, up until the 11th Century the village of Minster lay right on the estuary to the River Wantsum, making it one of the nearest ports to the continent.Ships used to sail past on their way to London and regularly anchored at what are now arable fields below the Church grounds.

In the year 449 the Jutish Chieftains Hengist and Horsa landed in the parish of Minster and established the first recorded settlement of what was to become the English Race.

The village's name comes from the Saxon word 'Ministre', meaning Church or Monastery. This name was probably the result of the erection of the Nunnery in the 7th Century.

Minster was once again the site of major change in the year 597 when St. Augustine, commissioned by Pope Gregory landed on the shores of Minster and brought Christianity to Britain.

When the River Stour silted up Minster lost its status as a port and some of its importance. However its historical significance remains unchanged and the village is full of reminders of its colourful past.

How did Minster come to have a Hind as the village emblem?

It is widely believed, around 670 AD, whether in truth or legend, that the Hind emblem owes its origin to Egbert, King of Kent and Princess Domneva. The King purportedly asked Domneva which piece of land she wished to take as compensation for the murder of her two brothers. Her answer was that she would take no more than her hind would run around. This the King granted her with pleasure, and the land became the new Minster.

Minster Census

If you would like to see the 1881 Minster Census, please click here to download it in pdf format. (234kb)

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