St Thomas a Becket Church, Capel, Kent

Address:
Church Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6SX
How to find us
Opening times:
Open daily 10am to 4pm. For enquiries about this church, please contact Nick Watts - [email protected].
  • This small Wealden church almost certainly existed before 1170 and may have stood here, upon its knoll, for at least 900 years.
  • Above the tower arch are the royal arms of King George II, painted in 1739, flanked by framed boards inscribed the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed.
  • The church was closed during part of 1868 for restoration and it may have been then that much of the present seating was introduced, replacing previous pews described by Sir Stephen Glynne as 'hideous'.
  • Having been hidden by plaster for centuries, St Thomas' wallpaintings were rediscovered in 1868. They were uncovered by E W Tristram in 1927 and were conserved by Mrs Eve Baker and Mr John Dives in 1970.
  • The 14th century chancel arch, like the tower arch rests upon half octagonal responds with moulded capitals.
  • The simple hexagonal pulpit was probably modified from a two or three decker arrangement.
  • The wallpaintings were painted around 1250 and show various scenes including; the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Cain slaying his brother Abel
    and being reprimaded by God and the Last Supper, with six people.
  • The communion rails are a beautiful example of the 17th century woodcarvers’ craft. Their central entrance-gate, which retains its old hinges and latch, is inscribed ‘Michael Davis, 1682’.
  • A yew tree still stands in the graveyard under which St Thomas a Becket is said to have preached.
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A Thomas À Becket connection

Becket himself is said to have preached in this small Norman Wealden church. The tower was partly rebuilt after a fire in 1639. Inside, the crown-post roof is striking and there are some interesting fittings. Most significant however, are the extensive medieval wallpaintings which cover most of the nave, depicting amongst others Cain and Abel and Christ's entry into Jerusalem. Discover more abut the wallpaintings in this church.

Capel Guide

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

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