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.
Known as 'The Isolated Church', St Thomas Becket church was built around AD 1200 and stands alone in a farm field. The village itself is long gone. The church boasts original 13th-century timbers and a beautiful Georgian interior.
Fairfield, Kent, England, TN29 9RZ
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Heritage Highlight: Fascinating combination of Georgian brick and 13th-century timber architecture
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A large Norman church with a distinctive corona spire added in 1799, St Mary of Charity is famous for its painted nave pillar and its large number of memorial brasses. There are excellent medieval misericords and bench ends in the chancel. King Stephen was reputedly buried here after his bones were rescued from Faversham Abbey at the Reformation.
Church Road, off East Street, Faversham, Kent, England, ME13 8GZ
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Extraordinary 14th century painted medieval nave pillar
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The ancient church of St Mary, Fordwich, is no longer used for regular worship, but its historical importance has been recognised and the church is now cared for by Churches Conservation Trust.
Fordwich, Kent, England
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: The mysterious 12th-century Fordwich Stone
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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: 
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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
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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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