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St Giles, Bodiam

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The tiny village of Bodiam is best known for its imposing and beautiful medieval castle on the banks of the River Rother. High above the castle on a wooded hillside, overlooking the river valley, stands the medieval parish church of St Giles, Bodiam, hidden away from the hordes of tourists who descend upon the castle.

The church of St Giles stands in a wooded glade. It is a predominently 13th century building in Early English style. It is composed of a heavily-buttressed and  embattled western tower, nave, two aisles, and chancel. The church was first noted in taxation rolls in 1291.

The most memorable feature of Bodiam church is the series of medieval brasses found on the west wall of the tower. One of the brasses is but a fragment, dating to 1360. Another depicts a knight in armour typical of the 14th century. This is thought to be one of the de Bodeham family of Wardieu, from whom the village takes its name. A descendent of the de Bodeham's, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, built Bodiam castle in 1386. A third brass is that of William Wetherden (d. 1513), a poor man who, upon the death of his wife, entered the priesthood and became vicar here.

On the south wall of the chancel you can see evidnce of Saxon stonework from a much earlier church.
Bodiam, Kent, England, TN32 5UJ

About St Giles, Bodiam
Attraction Type: Church
Location: Off the minor road through Bodiam, above Bodiam Castle. There is a small parking lot.
Location map
St Giles, Bodiam Photos
OS TQ782259

Heritage Highlight: A lovely collection of medieval brasses
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Bodiam Castle - 0.3 miles (Castle) Ewhurst Green, St James the Great - 1.2 miles (Church) Great Dixter Gardens - 2.4 miles (Garden) Newenden, St Peter - 2.6 miles (Church) Northiam, St Mary - 2.8 miles (Church) Merriments Garden - 3.2 miles (Garden) St George's, Benenden - 4.3 miles (Church) Hole Park - 5.1 miles (Garden)

Nearest Towns and Villages Sandhurst - 1.4 miles away Hawkhurst - 2.6 miles away Northiam - 2.8 miles away Newenden - 3.3 miles away Benenden - 4.3 miles away Rolvenden - 5.2 miles away Cranbrook - 5.4 miles away Battle - 6.3 miles away

Photos of St Giles, Bodiam

Lych gate

West tower view

14th century brass

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Nearest Accommodation to St Giles, Bodiam

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The Lodge - 8.5 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Dallington, East Sussex Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £300

Seaview Cottage - 13.4 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Normans Bay, East Sussex Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £320

The Stable - 15 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Hailsham, East Sussex Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £190

More Self Catering near St Giles, Bodiam

Nearest Hotels

The Brickwall Hotel - 4.5 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Sedlescombe, East Sussex Stay from: £80.00

Leeford Place Hotel - 4.8 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £75.00

The Brickwall Hotel - 5 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Battle, East Sussex Stay from: £75.00

More Hotels near St Giles, Bodiam

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Claverton Country House - 6.6 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Battle, East Sussex From: £60.00

Claverton Country House - 6.6 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Sedlescombe, East Sussex

Bishopsdale Oast - 6.9 miles from St Giles, Bodiam Biddenden, Kent From: £56.40

More bed and breakfasts near St Giles, Bodiam

Cranbrook
Tourist Information Centre
Vestry Hall
Stone Street
Cranbrook
Kent
England
TN17 3ED
Tel: 01580 712538
Fax: 01580 712538
Seasonal opening
Map