England > Kent > Historic Churches

Historic Churches in Kent

Barfreston, St Nicholas Church   The small church of St Nicholas in Barfreston (or Barfrestone) is one of the hidden gems of Norman atchitecture in Kent, possibly in all of England. In the medieval period the village of Barfreston was a stopover place for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St Thomas a Becket at Canterbury. That may account for the likeness of Becket carved on the south door, the first known representation of Becket in the country. Barfreston, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: On the minor road through Barfreston, beside the Yew Tree Inn. Parking along the verge. - Photos of Barfreston, St Nicholas Church OS TR261501 Heritage Highlight: Superbly carved Norman south door, one of the finest in the country. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury Cathedral   Even if Thomas à Becket had chosen somewhere else to earn his martyr's crown, Canterbury would still deserve attention for its role in the spread of Christianity throughout England. It was here that St. Augustine began the conversion of the pagan islanders in 597. Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2EH Attraction Type: Cathedral Location: The main visitor entrance is through Christ Church Gate, off Butter Market. Website: Canterbury Cathedral Email: Enquiries@canterbury-cathedral.org Phone: 01227 762 862 Fax: 01227 865 222 Location map - Photos of Canterbury Cathedral OS TR152 578 Heritage Highlight: The shrine of Thomas Becket was the most important pilgrimage destination in Britain in the medieval period Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury, St Dunstan   A small church with historical associations to kings, martyrs, archbishops, and chancellors. The king in question was Henry II. After his conflict with Archbishop Thomas a Becket led to the latter's murder in Canterbury Cathedral, Henry performed a public penance. On 18 July, 1174 he rode to the outskirts of Canterbury, where he stopped at St Dunstan's church, donned penitential garments, and removed his shoes. From here he walked barefoot to Becket's cathedral where he was scourged by the monks. 80 London Road, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT2 8LS Attraction Type: Church Location: At the junction of London Road and St Dunstans Street. An easy walk from Westgate. Paid parking immediately behind the church on London Rd. Location map - Photos of Canterbury, St Dunstan OS TR141582 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury, St Martin   St Martin's can claim to be the oldest church in England; certainly it is the oldest still in regular use. St Augustine set up a church here when he arrived in Kent in 597 AD to convert the inhabitants to Christianity. St Martins thus forms part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site, along with Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey. Unlike those other two historic attractions, St Martin's remains unknown to most visitors to Canterbury, and that's a real shame, for it is a lovely historic building. North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 1QJ Attraction Type: Church Location: A short stroll from St Augustine's Abbey. Take the first left off Longport onto North Holmes Road and this will take you straight to the lych gate of St Martins. Very limited parking nearby. Website: Canterbury, St Martin Location map - Photos of Canterbury, St Martin OS TR158578 Heritage Highlight: Roman chancel may be the oldest church in Britain. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury, St Mary Magdalene   The tower is all that remains of the medieval church of St Mary Magdalene. The church was pulled down in 1871 after it had become ruinous. The tower is a 1503 rebuilding of an earlier medieval structure. Burgate, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: A short walk along Burgate from Canterbury Cathedral gates - Photos of Canterbury, St Mary Magdalene OS TR151577 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury, St Mildred Church   This ancient church is the oldest pre-Conquest church still standing within the city walls of Canterbury. It is a few short steps away from the remains of Canterbury Castle. Church Lane, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2PP Attraction Type: Church Website: Canterbury, St Mildred Church Location map - Photos of Canterbury, St Mildred Church OS TR145575 Heritage Highlight: 15th century font, still with its original cover Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury, St Peter's church   St Peter's church stands back from the bustle of Canterbury High Street, fronted by a small garden that seems to create an atmosphere of relative calm. The church is medieval, but its roots go back much further - the same can be said for much of Canterbury in truth! It is entirely possible that the medieval church was built on top of a very early church established for Chritian citizens of Roman Canterbury. High Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church - Photos of Canterbury, St Peter's church OS TR148579 Heritage Highlight: A medieval church on the foundations of a Roman church Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Charing, St Peter and St Paul   St Peter and St Paul is a lovely building, with a nave and chancel dating to the early 13th century. Transepts were added in the following century, and the fine stone tower in the 15th century.. Charing, Kent, England, TN27 0LP Attraction Type: Church Location: At the end of The Market Place, off the High Street. Location map - Photos of Charing, St Peter and St Paul OS TQ954493 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Chilham, St Mary   The church of St Mary, Chilham, was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, but has a history going back perhaps as far as the 7th century. In the 12th century the church was owned by the French abbey of St Bertin, a Benedictine monastery at St Omer. It later passed into the hands of Syon Abbey, based at Isleworth in Middlesex. Chilham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: At the far end of the village square, opposite the castle gates - Photos of Chilham, St Mary OS TR06845360 Heritage Highlight: The last known location of the shrine containing St Augustine's body Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Ewhurst Green, St James the Great   Ewhurst Green (not to be confused with the larger village of Ewhurst or the similarly named Ewhurt Green) is a small hamlet near Bodiam, in Kent, overlooking historic Bodiam Castle in the valley far below. In the centre of the village, just off the green, is the parish church of St James the Great. The oldest parts of the church are 12th century, with major additions in the 14th century. Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: On a minor road south of Bodiam - Photos of Ewhurst Green, St James the Great OS TQ797247 Heritage Highlight: 16th century Crysford memorial brass Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Fordwich, St Mary   The ancient church of St Mary, at Fordwich, is no longer used for regular worship, but its historical importance has been recognized and the church is now cared for by Churches Conservation Trust. Fordwich, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: Beside the Fordwich Arms. Limited parking along the roadside. - Photos of Fordwich, St Mary OS TR180597 Heritage Highlight: The mysterious 12th century Fordwich Stone Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Goudhurst, St Mary   The eariest known church at Goudhurst was in 1117. The current St Mary's church is largely 13th century, enlarged in the 14th century. That is when an influx of weavers from Flanders arrived in the area. The tower rises to exactly 500 feet above sea level, and provides fabulous views for miles. As a result it was used as a lookout point during both World Wars. Back Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: On the A282. The easiest parking is probably along Back Lane, behind the church. - Photos of Goudhurst, St Mary OS TQ722377 Heritage Highlight: The wonderful 16th century painted wooden effigies of Sir Alexander Culpepper and his wife are rare in England. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Ightham, St Peter   The parish church of St Peter, Ightham, is well worth a visit, primarily to see its collection of historic memorials. The oldest of these is that of Sir Thomas Cawne, the builder of Ightham Mote, who died around 1374. The tomb is set against the north wall of the chancel, with a life sized stone effigy of Sir Thomas clad in a bascinet and mail armour. Fen Pond Road, Ightham, Kent, England, TN15 9JD Attraction Type: Church Location: Fen Pond Road is just off the A25. Parking is along the roadside, and there is also limited parking in the village centre, a short walk away. Location map - Photos of Ightham, St Peter OS TQ594569 Heritage Highlight: Beautifully carved Jacobean tomb of Sir William Selby(s), uncle and nephew Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Knights Templar Church    This tiny church had a big part to play in English history. The Knights Templar Church was the place where King John was forced to submit to the Papal Legate in 1213. Citadel Road, Western Heights Dover, Kent, England, CT17 9DX Attraction Type: Church Location: Just off Citadel Road on he western Heights of Dover. A short walk from the harbour. Location map OS TR313408 Heritage Highlight: The site of King John's submissiion to the Pope Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Newenden, St Peter   St Peters church in Newenden stands on a small rise opposite the local pub and playing field. Its a beautiful old building, which dates primarily to the 14th century. The highlight of a visit is undoubtedly the superb font, which is richly carved with intricate designs of intriguing late Saxon or early Norman motifs. Newenden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: On the A28 in the centre of the village - Photos of Newenden, St Peter OS TQ819279 Heritage Highlight: A superbly carved late Saxon font, well worth seeing Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pluckley, St Nicholas   Pluckley is known as the most haunted village in England, biut there's more to see than apparitions! For a start, there's the lovely old parish church of St Nicholas. There was a church at Pluckley at least as early as 1090, though it seems very likely that a Saxon building must have preceded it. The oldest section of the current church is the northwest corner of the nave, which dates to the Norman period. Station Road, Pluckley, Kent, England, TN27 0QS Attraction Type: Church Location: Just down the road from the Black Horse inn. Parking along the road verge. Location map - Photos of Pluckley, St Nicholas OS TQ926453 Heritage Highlight: A very nice collection of medieval and Tudor brasses. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rochester Cathedral    Although it is overshadowed by its near neighbour Rochester Castle, the cathedral has a fascinating history. Second only to Canterbury in age (the see was established in 604). For all its early history, the cathedral as we see it is mostly 12th century. The west door is a notable example of Romanesque sculpture. Rochester became an important pilgrimage centre in the 13th century when William of Perth, a Scot on his way to the Holy Land, was murdered there, and miracles were reported at his tomb. The pilgrims paid for the choir and presbytery. Rochester, Kent, England, ME1 1SX Attraction Type: Cathedral Location: access from M2, Junction 3 Website: Rochester Cathedral Phone: 01634 810 073 Fax: 01634 401410 Location map Details of Rochester Cathedral OS TQ743 684 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rolvenden, St Mary the Virgin   The first church at Rolvenden was recorded in 1090. In was probably a wooden building of Saxon origin. In the 12th and 13th centuries that early building was replaced by the curent stone church, which was then heavily remodelled in the 14th century to form the church we see today. Rolvenden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: On the A28 3 miles west of Tenterden - Photos of Rolvenden, St Mary the Virgin OS TQ845315 Heritage Highlight: 18th century squire's pew, raised up above the chapel Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Smarden, St Michael the Archangel   The parish church of Smarden is known as the Barn of Kent, a tribute to the width of its aislless nave. The nave is 36 feet in width, and is supported by a scissor-beam roof system of intersecting timbers. Cage Lane, Smarden, Kent, England, TN72 8QD Attraction Type: Church Location: Just off The Street, behind the Chequers Inn. Limited parking along the road. Location map - Photos of Smarden, St Michael the Archangel OS TQ885425 Heritage Highlight: The scissor beam roof is a triumph of 14th century timber construction. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St George's, Benenden   There was a church at Benenden at the time of the Domesday Book survey in 1086, making Benenden one of only four parishes in the Weald rich enough to have a church. That early building was enlarged in the 13th century, when the current south porch was created. Sometime around 1418 a huge detached bell tower was added. This was a remarkable structure of wood, on a stone foundation. The tower reached 132 feet in height, much higher than the current tower. Benenden, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: Benenden is located on the B2086 3 miles west of Tenterden. The church is at the top of the Green. Website: St George's, Benenden - Photos of St George's, Benenden OS TQ805325 Heritage Highlight: Kitty Fisher, of nursery rhyme fame, is buried in the Norris family vault Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Giles, Bodiam   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. Bodiam, Kent, England, TN32 5UJ Attraction Type: Church Location: Off the minor road through Bodiam, above Bodiam Castle. There is a small parking lot. Location map - Photos of St Giles, Bodiam OS TQ782259 Heritage Highlight: A lovely collection of medieval brasses Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St John's Jerusalem    A 13th century chapel that was once owned by the Knights Hospitaller. The chapel is surrounded by a moat fed by the River Derwent, and set in peaceful gardens. The chapel was built in 1199 as part of a Commandery for the order and later part of the Commandery was converted into a dwelling house. Sutton-at-Hone, Dartford, Kent, England, DA4 9HQ Attraction Type: Church Location: Signposted off the A225 3 miles south of Dartford Website: St John's Jerusalem Email: stjohnsjerusalem@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01732 810378 National Trust Location map OS TQ558703 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sutton Valence, St Mary   The first stone church at Sutton Valence dates to the early Norman period, though there was almost certainly a church here before the Norman Conquest. Chart Road, Sutton Valence, Kent, England Attraction Type: Church Location: Across the A274 from the centre of the village - Photos of Sutton Valence, St Mary OS TQ809491 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Tenterden, St Mildred   St Mildred's is a fine 12th cenrtury church with a splendid 15th century tower. The church was begun in the 12th century and expanded several times. The imposing tower, which seems to loom over the town, was added in the 15th century, when Tenterden was at the height of its prosperity from the medieval wool trade. The nave is 12th century, the south aisle a century younger, and the north aisle is 14th century. Church Hall, Church Road Tenterden, Kent, England, TN30 6AT Attraction Type: Church Location: Just off High Street. Several paid parking lots nearby. Location map - Photos of Tenterden, St Mildred OS TQ883334 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts