A Founding Father's marriage

Political writer and US founding father Thomas Paine married here

In 1759, the political writer and radical Thomas Paine married Mary Lambert at our St Peter's in Sandwich, Kent, a short walk from his home. (His cottage can be seen from the top of St Peter's tower).

Paine later emigrated to the American colonies, inventing the term "United States of America" and inspiring American revolutionaries with his political pamphlets.

St Peter's is open daily and is home to the 'Haven Heights' tower experience, whereby visitors can climb a specially constructed staircase up the ancient tower, stopping for close-up views of the clockwork and church bells on the way up and enjoying spectacular views of the medieval town and beyond from the top.