An archaeological survey undertaken in 2010–2011 found evidence of Romano-British and Anglo-Saxon habitation.[1] The present church dates from the late 13th century, with a traditional construction date of 1285.[2] A patent roll dating from the reign of Edward I records the partial remittance of a fine levied on the rector, "towards the works of his church begun by him".[3] The architectural historian John Newman notes that there is strong stylistic evidence to suggest the involvement of Michael of Canterbury, the master mason at Canterbury Cathedral.[3] The tower is later, of the fourteenth century.[2]
In 2018, the Commissary General of the Diocese of Canterbury delivered a significant judgement on the installation of closed-circuit television at St Marys. Allowing the application, the Commissary sought to balance public-access requirements, for which CCTV was necessary on security grounds, and the privacy expectations of parishioners.[4] The church remains an active parish church with regular services.[5]
Architecture and description
Brass memorial to Sir Robert de Septvans, c.1306
The church is constructed of Kentish knappedflint with ragstonequoins. It is of cruciform design, with nave, transepts, chancel and tower.[3] The church has a number of features of particular note. The nave, transepts and crossing have "a magnificent series of c. 1300 timber roofs with large scissor-trussed rafters."[6] The windows in the chancel are considered amongst the very best examples of Kentish tracery.[3] The stained glass, although "much renewed in 1881 (has) enough glass of c.1294 to guarantee the authenticity of the whole".[3] The brass of the medieval knight, Sir Robert de Septvans, is one of the oldest in the country and "none are more memorable".[3] The church also contains monuments by Rysbrack and Thomas Scheemakers.[3]
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