St Mary
Frittenden, Kent
A lovely Grade II* Victorian village church and church yard, at the heart of Frittenden.
All Saints is an active 12th century church with some earlier elements including rare 11th century Ironwork depicting Norse mythology. It stands at the highest point of the village of Staplehurst.
Staplehurst, Kent
All Saints is an active 12th century church with elements which may date back to Saxon times. It stands at the south end of the village of Staplehurst, at the highest point overlooking a large swathe of the Weald. It is just off the Roman road which now forms the A229 Hastings to Chatham highway.
The north wall boasts some herringbone stonework which could be Saxon. The Anglo-Saxon charters mention specific dens Spilsill and Aydhurst, while the name Staplehurst was first recorded in 1226.
The south door, dated to 1050, predates the building itself, displays some of the oldest ironwork in England depicting the Norse Day of Judgement. There is a colonnade separating the main (north) aisle from the south aisle, which unusually has pillars leaning southward at a very marked angle. The 14th century tower host a set of ten Bells which ring out at least twice a week thanks to an enthusiastic group of bell ringers. The church has a mixed set of windows but with some interesting stained glass. The remains of an Anchorite’s cell can still be seen on the north side of the chancel. A hermit would be bricked up inside the cell to escape the world but could join services though a small window.
The church is surrounded by a large and still open burial ground which in the spring hosts a extensive variety of wildflowers.
All Saints is open every day of the year, with two services on Sundays and one on Wednesdays. It also acts as a centre for the community and holds frequent musical, historical and other events including the village Remembrance Day Service which open to all.
Frittenden, Kent
A lovely Grade II* Victorian village church and church yard, at the heart of Frittenden.
Headcorn, Kent
Sissinghurst, Kent