Our churches

All Saints was first built sometime in the early 7th Century as a timber building and is likely to have gone through several re-builds due to the turbulence of that period with successive invasions by Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. By 1000AD there is documentary evidence of a church and it is listed in the Doomsday book of 1086AD.

The earliest stone building incorporated Roman tiles and ‘tufa’ from the nearby villa alongside Kentish ragstone sourced locally. The church was substantially enlarged during the 13th, 14th and 5th centuries possibly due to the volume of pilgrims travelling to Canterbury to worship at the shrine of Thomas a Becket. It is still one of the Winchester to Canterbury pilgrim churches with regular visits from pilgrims walking the Pilgrims Way, although they can no longer cross the River Medway via the ford or ferry. Later renovation/ restoration work was carried out in the mid-19th century and again in 2017.

The mediaeval priests/monks serving the church were appointed by the Bishop of Rochester and would have lived on site in the priest’s room on the first floor of the tower or nearby as clergy were not allowed to marry before 1561.

Monthly events take place at All Saints to use and encourage access to this historic Grade 1 listed building. Visits can also be arranged on request at other times to view the buildings and the various artefact housed within. Some fragments of mediaeval glass remain but most of the windows were destroyed when a land mine exploded nearby in 1942 with several fine examples of modern glass having replaced them. The original tower door with its ‘sanctuary knob’ is in the south porch which if seized by a miscreant before capture, enabled them to call upon the church for sanctuary. One of the pillars in the nave has an etched drawing of the Crucifixion incised upon the central pillar of the south group which was plastered over during the Reformation. It was re-discovered during the restorations of 1869-70 and (re)painted. There is also a Poor Box dating from the time of Elizabeth I as well as several brass plaques from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The churchyard was closed for burials in 1898 but several historically important people are interred in the grounds, notably Thomas Fletcher Waghorn, who instigated the overland route to India ; Charles Spackman Barker whose organ lever enabled the building of bigger , more powerful organs, several of which are still played in churches today; also the grave of Israel May, who in 1873 was the first police officer to be murdered in Kent .

The churchyard is now a space where nature can flourish, with a wild flower meadow and several specimen trees as well as a Prayer walk. It is used for outdoor services and activities at various times during the year as well as providing a green space for local residents.

The Friends of All Saints was set up in 1995 to enable members of the community, whether churchgoers or not, to help care for this beautiful and fascinating building. They assist the Parochial Church Council in repairing and maintaining the building and in seeking to broaden and develop its use by the community.

Regular financial support from the ‘Friends’ is vital for putting this national and local ‘treasure’ on a secure footing for the future. The greater the membership, the more we can do. So why not come and join us? for further information contact Les Yates (01634 240722).

The Friends of All Saints put on various events throughput the year to help raise funds, which often include annual Open Days, Cream Teas, music concerts and a quiz, alongside having a presence at church and community events selling merchandise.  They are always happy to welcome more volunteers to join the team and help at these events. Get in touch if you’d like to know more.