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- Fordwich, Kent (Church of St Mary the Virgin)
This historic church stands in an idyllic spot near the River Stour, leaning somewhat, as a result of a 15th-century flood.
Inside, the church is mellow and unspoilt, with 17th-century fittings and wall paintings. It is home to a strange carved stone, dating from around 1100. Nearly 1.7 metres long, the Fordwich Stone is thought to be a shrine made for the body parts – or relics – of a saint, maybe St Augustine of Canterbury.
There are also box pews and a corporation pew, 17th-century rails and altarpiece, and the Royal Arms and Commandments, painted on plaster in 1688.
Earlier features include the 12th-century font made of Bethersden marble and lovely 14th century glass.
To locate this church on a map, click on the 'View on map' link that appears below the address information at the top of the page.
3 miles north east of Canterbury, off A28. The church is in the centre of Fordwich village behind the Fordwich Arms, reached via small no-through lane off main street dog-leg in village
Nearest railway station: Sturry (1.5 miles). Bus route number 302.
TR 181 598
01/05/12
Following on from the success of our Discover Wallpaintings project last year we are delighted to announce the launch of…
All Saints' Church, West Stourmouth, Kent
A Saxon survivor in the Garden of England
St Clement's Church, Knowlton, Kent
Cherubs bathe in coloured light
St Augustine's Abbey
This great abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine.
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
Evocatively sited amid the East Kent marshes, Richborough is perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and almost the end of Roman rule here.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Click on images to view larger
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?
You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
A walk round guide for St Mary's Church, Fordwich (PDF, 1.2mb)
This short, full colour walk round guide contains a floor plan of the church and highlights of things to see during your visit. You can purchase a printed copy of this from the church (50p) or download in advance (free/optional donation).
Kent County Guide (PDF, 4.75mb)
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Kent. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
All Saints' Church, West Stourmouth, Kent A Saxon survivor in the Garden of England Church Lane, West Stourmouth, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1HT
See church page
St Clement's Church, Knowlton, Kent Cherubs bathe in coloured light Knowlton Court, Knowlton, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1PT
See church page
St Bartholomew's Church, Goodnestone, Kent A tiny church that has survived earth tremors Goodnestone Court, Goodnestone, Faversham, Kent, ME13 9BZ
See church page
St Augustine's Abbey This great abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded shortly after AD 597 by St Augustine. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/st-augustines-abbey
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre Evocatively sited amid the East Kent marshes, Richborough is perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and almost the end of Roman rule here. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/richborough-roman-fort-and-amphitheatre
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
All our Kent churches are in CCT’s South East region.
Let’s Visit Kent website - We are very grateful to Let’s Visit for providing our 360 tours of Kent churches. Please visit their website!
Best Places to Visit in Kent website
Kent County Council website history section
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
If the access information for this church is listed as 'Keyholder nearby', this means that the key is kept by one of our invaluable volunteer 'keyholders', who usually live just a short walk from the church and can give visitors the key; sometimes this is a nearby hotel, pub, library, art gallery or other venue. You will find instructions explaining how to get the key when you arrive at the church.
There is a gravel path up to the porch then two steps down into church. Uneven but flat floor. Church can be dark.
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating or running water meaning that they can be cold, and very rarely have toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. We do apologise for any inconvenience the lack of facilities may cause.
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EC1A 9EE
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