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- Higham, Kent (St Mary's Church)
St Mary’s sits remote from Higham village in orchards on the edge of marshes running to the Thames.
It is an unusual church with great charm and eccentricity. Its striped walls of ragstone and knapped flint and a near-symmetrical arrangement of two naves and two chancels are surmounted by a shingled spirelet.
Originally Norman, it was remodelled and enlarged in the 14th-century, perhaps when a priory of Benedictine nuns was established nearby.
There is some memorable woodwork including a 15th-century chancel screen in its original position, a 14-th century pulpit and a particularly fine south door, treated like a four-light window with much delicate carving and some original ironwork.
Restoration in 1863 provided most of the furnishings and the glass in the chancel windows.
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.
4 miles north west of Rochester, off B2000
Nearest railway station: Higham (1 mile). Bus route numbers 417/418.
TQ 716 742
01/05/12
Following on from the success of our Discover Wallpaintings project last year we are delighted to announce the launch of…
St James' Church, Cooling, Kent
The inspiration for a dramatic Dickens tale. A church from…
St Mary's Church, Burham, Kent
On the pathway of pilgrims
Upnor Castle
Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships at Chatham dockyards.
Rochester Castle
Strategically placed astride the London Road, guarding an important crossing of the River Medway, this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding.
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.
Kent County Guide (PDF, 4.8mb)
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.
St James' Church, Cooling, Kent
The inspiration for a dramatic Dickens tale. A church from our finest shortlist.
Main Road, Cooling, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8DG
See church page
St Mary's Church, Burham, Kent
On the pathway of pilgrims
Old Church Road, Burham, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3XY
See church page
All Saints' Church, Vange, Essex
A simply joyful church
London Road, Vange, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4PX
See church page
Upnor Castle Set in tranquil grounds adjoining a riverside village, this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was begun in 1559 and redeveloped in 1599-1601, to protect warships at Chatham dockyards. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/upnor-castle
Rochester Castle Strategically placed astride the London Road, guarding an important crossing of the River Medway, this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/rochester-castle
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 are steps down into the church.
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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hi i was a very fond person of this church as it means alot to my family i was christened hear and my nan (mrs d palmer and grandad (mr w palmer) are laid to rest there i still visit every year and love it so much ,i would like to get marryied here one day as it means so much to me and my family xx
A beautiful old rural church. Much loved by the locals and sited on the edge of the Thames marshes just a short walk across the fields from the waters edge. Lovely on a misty morning when the sun just starts to peak through.