Holy Cross Church, Bearsted, Kent.

 

I first visited the churchyard back in September 2022 and ended up distracted by the grave of John Dyke - you can read about him here. 

Bearsted is a village just outside of Maidstone. The main village has spread out away from the church but the village green is still within a stones throw of the church. The church itself is a Grade I listed building with a partially Saxon stone arch. On the church tower there are three stone beasts and many will tell you here are the bears of Bearsted. These were possibly originally wolves from the coat of arms of the Fludd family. The Anglo-Saxon name for the area was Berghamstyde meaning “place on the hill/barrow”. Construction of the church began in the 13th century and continued to the 15th century. It is built from local ragstone. 

The church has a small graveyard with a larger east extension. The original graveyard has a listed war memorial. Standing in the actual church you’ll find some clever use of space - the organ is now located above the vestry. There is room to walk under the pipes of the organ and an upstairs area has been created to the rear of the church. The choir has been moved behind the altar and the church has a generally very loved and active feel to it. Immaculate in its cleanliness this building is obviously still an important part of the local community.