Lambert Larking

Lambert Blackwell Larking, (1797 – 1868), was born in Clare House, East Malling, Kent, on 2 February 1797, the eldest son of John Larking, sheriff of Kent in 1808. In 1830, aged 33, he became vicar of Ryarsh, near Maidstone. For many years Larking collaborated with the Reverend Thomas Streatfeild (1777–1848), in the collection and compilation of materials for a new history of the county of Kent and, when Streatfeild died in 1848 the materials were left in Larking's hands. However, ill health constricted Larking to concentrating all his energy on his clerical duties, allowing him little time to devote to the project.

Nevertheless, Larking was able to complete another project very dear to him during his lifetime. A lithographic edition of The Domesday Book of Kent, in facsimile, with transcription, translation, notes, and appendix by him, was completed shortly before his death, when it was in process of being printed. One year on, in 1869, the folio edition which he had planned appeared in print.

Lambert Larking was a founder member of the Kent Archaeological Society in 1857, and was its honorary secretary until 1860, when he was elected as vice-president.

On 2nd August, 1868, Lambert Larking died of ill health at Ryarsh Vicarage.