St Mary's Church, Sandwich, Kent

Address:
Strand Street, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9HN
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Open daily 11am to 3pm
  • © Poliphilo, used under a Creative Commons licence.
  • © Paul Farmer, used under a Creative Commons licence.
  • © Paul Farmer, used under a Creative Commons licence.
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Sackings, earthquakes and collapsed towers

The intimate and atmospheric St Mary's occupies what may be the oldest church site in Sandwich where a seventh-century convent was founded of which nothing has survived. There remain substantial parts of a large Norman church, despite the town having been sacked by the French in the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, an earthquake in the sixteenth and the collapse of the tower in the seventeenth!

The north arcade was then replaced with slender columns of chestnut and the immense barn-like breadth of the nave and south aisle was roofed in one span. The tower over the south porch has a wooden belfry built in 1718 and there are monuments from several periods and interesting fittings to discover.

Sandwich St Mary Guide

To donate by text, please text 'SSM' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

Find out more about Sandwich:

http://www.open-sandwich.co.uk/places_to_visit/churches/stmarys.htm

St Mary's Church features in Legacy Makers and Boundary Breakers: Extraordinary Women of Historic Churches, discover the connection between Queen Emma of Normandy and St Mary's Church below:

 

  • Access information
    Church is located in town centre. Wheelchair access needs prior arrangement. There is a disabled WC.
  • Facilities & Hire

    St. Mary's Arts Centre concert and event venue for hire in Sandwich Kent with general function event space is available all year round.

    An ideal venue for Concerts, Recitals, Drama, Dancing, Workshops, Exhibitions, Meetings, Private Functions, Arts and Community Events.

    It's a unique and versatile building with an unusually large open central space, which along with great facilities, make it the event venue of choice for all types of celebrations.

    Heating and Lighting is available at St. Mary's Arts Centre. There are also toilets, and a small kitchenette area.

    The church is equipped with chairs, tables, sound and light facilities. Please talk to us about the details.

    For further information, please click on: http://www.stmarysartscentre.org.uk/

  • Directions
    In Sandwich town centre follow Historic Church signs in Ash Road along Strand Street to Gazon Salts car park opposite the church.
  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Sandwich (0.4 miles). Bus route number 14.

  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church 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 2012

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Kent. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Community information

    Useful local links:

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