St Mary's Church, Sandwich, Kent
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© Poliphilo, used under a Creative Commons licence.
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© 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.
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"A Midsummer Night's Dream" - Live performance in the ancient setting of St. Mary's, Sandwich
23 June 2018 - 23 June 2018
"I have had a most rare vision. I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was.”
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St Peter's Church, Sandwich, Kent
0.18 miles
A landmark church that still rings a curfew. A church from our finest shortlist.
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St Clement's Church, Knowlton, Kent
4.30 miles
Cherubs bathe in coloured light
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All Saints' Church, West Stourmouth, Kent
5.28 miles
A Saxon survivor in the Garden of England
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Access information
Church is located in town centre. Wheelchair access needs prior arrangement. There is a disabled WC.
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Facilities & Hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating, running water and toilet facilities.The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
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Directions
In Sandwich town centre follow Historic Church signs in Ash Road along The Strand to Gazon Salts car park opposite the church.
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Transport
Nearest railway station: Sandwich (0.4 miles). Bus route number 14.
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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.
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Community information
Useful local links:
- Visit Kent tourism website: www.visitkent.co.uk
- Let's Visit Kent website: www.letsvisit.co.uk/see-do
- Best Places to Visit in Kent website: www.kentattractions.co.uk
- Kent History website: www.hereshistorykent.org.uk
- Kent Family History Society: www.kfhs.org.uk
- Kent Archaeology Society: www.kentarchaeology.org.uk
- Kent Historic Churches website: www.kentchurches.info
- Friends of Kent Churches: www.friendsofkentchurches.co.uk
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