Historic Churches in Kent
- Map of Historic Churches in Kent
- Map of ALL Historic Churches in England
- Map of all attractions in Kent
By far the most popular historic church in the county is Canterbury Cathedral, a destination for pilgrims since the 12th century, but there are a wonderful variety of other fascinating churches to see. Look for the Heritage Rating to get an idea of how we ranked each church for its historic interest.
A small Norman church looking out over the stately home and garden of Goodnestone Court. The church dates to about 1100, but the porch was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1837.
Goodnestone Court, Goodnestone, Kent, England, ME13 9BZ
Heritage Rating: ?
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The earliest 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
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: The wonderful 16th-century painted wooden effigies of Sir Alexander Culpepper and his wife are rare in England.
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A late Saxon or early Norman church with an unusual double nave. St Mary's stands beside the site of a 13th-century nunnery begun by Princess Mary, daughter of King Stephen.
Church Street, Lower Higham, Higham, Kent, England, ME3 7LS
Heritage Rating: ?
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St John's is a lovely country church on the site of an 8th-century Saxon priory. There are two 14th-century effigies, one of Sir Thomas de Baa (d. 1339) and the other of an unknown priest. The chancel is Early English, and the south transept houses an ancient oak chest.
The Street, Ickham, Kent, England, CT3 1QW
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: A pair of 14th-century tombs and effigies
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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
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Beautifully carved Jacobean tomb of Sir William Selby(s), uncle and nephew
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A remote Victorian church built in 1866 by Thomas Leigh, 1st Lord Kingsdown. Lord Leigh used architect EW Pugin, a member of the influential Pugin family of architects, to create a small building to replace an existing medieval church.
Kingsdown, Kent, England, ME9 0AS
Heritage Rating: ?
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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
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: The site of King John's submission to the Pope
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A small medieval church in the grounds of Knowlton Court manor house. The church is medieval, but the exterior is decidedly Victorian. The church was heavily restored in 1855 by William White.
Knowlton Court, Knowlton, Kent, England, CT3 1PT
Heritage Rating: ?
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St Mary's is a beautiful historic church dating to the 14th and 15th centuries but incorporating parts of an earlier Norman building damaged by arson in 1297. Look for a 14th-century wall painting of St Michael weighing souls and a richly carved Tudor pulpit and a rare singing desk.
Church Square, Lenham, Kent, England, ME17 2PJ
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: 14th-century wall paintings
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St Mary's is a fascinating Norman church set in a farmyard near Luddenham Court. The church stands in an isolated position in marshland near the River Swale.
Luddenham Court, Luddenham, Kent, England, ME13 0TH
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Roman bricks used in the church walls
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