4 Dec 2022

St. Mary’s Church, Kenardington, Kent.


Kenardington lies on the edge of Romney Marsh under the Ashford area as opposed to Folkestone. The Saxon Shore Way and Royal Military Canal pass through this small rural parish. 

St. Mary is a Grade II listed church which is linked to Warehorne Church. The church comprises of a nave, integral chancel, west tower and south porch. A lightning strike in 1559 destroyed the original nave, chancel and north aisle and the church was originally bigger. The original tower was separated internally. The church is made from Kentish ragstone and some Caen stone dressings around the doorway and windows. 

An additional side room - The Prentice Room was opened on 30th May 2021. This joined the tower to the rest of the church after a (nearly) five hundred year gap. The idea of stained glass was considered but it was feared it would make the room too dark so engraved glass was chosen. The Annunciation was placed on the entrance door to the tower, the Nativity in another space and the Resurrection on the end window. The engraving was by Alison Kinnaird hi is based in Scotland. In addition to the Prentice Room the church also has a new addition - The Thomas Elliott Organ which was funded by the Michael Uren Foundation, Sir Michael Uren had been instrumental in the creation of the extension to the church. 

According to Wikipedia, the site of the church was the scene of a battle in the 10th Century when Danes stormed the small Saxon fort which stood on the site. The Danes had been camped in nearby Appledore. 



























No comments: