Neither in Kent nor Christendom.

This seems, says Fuller, a very insolent expression, and as unequal a division. Surely the first author thereof had small skill in even distribution, to measure an inch aganst an ell, yea, to weigh a grain against a pound. But know, reader, that this home-proverb is English Christendom, whereof Kent was first converted to the faith. So then Kent and Christendom (parallel to Rome and Italy) is as much the first cut and all the loaf besides. I know there passes a report, that Henry IV. King of France, mustering his soldiers at the siege of a city, found more Kentish-men therein, than foreigners of all Christendom beside; which (being but seventy years since) is, by some, made the original of this proverb, wich was more ancient in use, and therefore I adhere to the former interpretation. With all due deference to the above authority, this proverb rather seems intended as an ironical reproof to the good people of Kent for over-rating the importance of their county; the Kentish-men formerly claiming the right of marching in the van of the English army.

Entry taken from Provincial Glossary, edited by Francis Grose.

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Huntingdonshire
This is the way to Beggar’s-bush

Kent
Neither in Kent nor Christendom

Lancashire
Lancashire fair women

Nearby

Kent in Nuttal Encyclopædia

Antique pictures from Kent