Why did the industry die out in Kent?

Hops are still grown in Kent but it is no longer the busy industry it was at the turn of the 20th century.

Machines eventually replaced the hop-pickers. Although the first machines in England were made in 1934, the annual hop to Kent continued until the 1960s.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using machines? How do you think the farmers felt about the machines? What about the hop pickers?

A picking machine

By the end of the twentieth century, lager had become a much more popular drink than beer. Lager needs fewer hops than beer so not as many are grown now.

Oast houses can still be seen throughout Kent, but most have now been made into homes.

Do any of the adults you know drink beer or lager? You could carry out a survey to see which is more popular?

Oast house at the Museum of Kent Life