St Lawrence

Visit the church to see the rare apse in the Saxon bell tower and the 12th century Purbeck marble plaque of St Thomas Becket. Historians say it is one end of the original tomb in Canterbury before translation - we await British museum advice!). There is also the well preserved Butterfield Rood screen and furnishings, evidence of Rood stairs and loft.

This is the where Jane Austen would routinely worship when she visited her brother, Edward Knight (he changed his name from Edward Austen to inherit). He and his family lived at the neighbouring Godmersham House and their memory is evidence in the stained glass windows and in the family vault. A memorial on the north wall is to 'Susanna Sackree' the family nurse and Jane's friend. You can visit and pray in the Jane Austen memorial chapel. A visit to the Godmersham Park heritage museum next door is recommended (open Tuesday and Thursday mornings). The Palladian House and wonderful gardens and grounds are occasionally open via the National Gardens Scheme.

This is a registered 'Pilgrim Church' on the route from Winchester though Chilham to Harbledown via the 'Black Princes Holy Well' and into Canterbury. The church is also located on the lovely 'off road' walking/ cycle route 18 all the way though Chartham to Canterbury and Wye in the other direction, although cycling the A 28 is not recommended. Park up easily and start from here for great walks in the North Downs and North Downs Way or join the famous 'Five Church walk' held annually on the May bank holiday. Check on the ordinance survey map and 'Five Church walk' website for details.

The churchyard is very rural with many bird enthusiasts watching for Goldcrests in season.