River traffic was still considerable in 1900 but as the importance of road traffic grew, river travel went into terminal decline. Once a crowded industrial area and port, it was said that the whole of the Weald and some of Sussex received their groceries via Maidstone due to the Medway Navigation Company improving navigation between Maidstone and Tonbridge in 1739.

 

In 1861 Ralph Fremlin rapidly expanded his brewery by taking over other small businesses in the town and by 1887 was Kent's largest brewer, his connections in East India were symbolised by his trademark elephants.

 

A special project to mark the Millennium has helped the people of Maidstone turn the banks of this important natural resource into a country park with free access for everyone. The Millenium River Park weaves it way along a 10km stretch of the River Medway