Records of a church at Speldhurst go back at least 900 years; documentary evidence suggest that it was founded before the Norman Conquest.
In 1791 lightening set fire to the spire and the medieval church was destroyed. According to a sign outside the church "a less elegant building with two galleries replaced it."
In 1870 the Victorians demolished this church and the current building was erected. It is English in style and is is famous for its wonderful stained glass windows. These were designed by Burne-Jones and William Morris and are well worth a visit to this church in their own right.
The day we visited the organ was being played, which added to our enjoyment of the building.
St Mary's Church, Speldhurst has a website where more information about this church, including its history, and a tour of the windows is available.
The Kent Archaeological Society also has an interesting early picture of this church, here.
The Kent Archaeological Society has interesting early pictures of this church, here, including one where the tower is missing.
Digital Photographs
Visitors to this album since June 2003
If you found this page using a search engine or other link, please use the icons below to link to one of the main sections of the Roughwood web site:
Please do not reproduce or store any of the pictures on this site without asking first.
