The Church of St Margaret

The present church building is almost entirely of Gothic design, with just a few remains of the Norman church still incorporated in the east wall of the chancel. The 13th century Early English style can be seen in the chancel ,the 14th century period, known as the Decorated, represented in the nave and aisle, with the latest period of Gothic architecture, the Perpendicular most obvious in the 15th century tower.

The church itself is built of Kentish ragstone and flint. The church underwent major restoration in the 1860'sand 1870's,and there have been several further important periods of reconstruction in the 20th and again in this century, when it was discovered that the main roof and tower were in an advanced state of decay, and required a comprehensive programme of works to ensure the long term safety and integrity of the building. The repairs were initially estimated to cost up to £1million, but were completed in April 2010 for less than £1/2 million.

The tower is a major local landmark and was built about 1480. It stands 30m (100ft) high with an octagonal stair turret probably housing a beacon at the top to act as one of a chain between coast and capital. The tower houses a peel of eight bells (read more on the page about the bell ringers)

14th century nave, is very plain and almost all the roof timbers are original. Most of the window stonework was replaced in the 19th century. The stained glass of the south-east window is by Hardman [1871 ].
The most interesting feature in the nave is the celure which is unique and once formed a canopy for a rood screen. It was painted in the 1460's on the orders of Sir Thomas St Leger, who married Edward IV’s sister, and depicted the King’s badge of the Sun in Splendour. This was changed rapidly after the demise of the House of York, following the Wars of the Roses, with the rose of Lancaster.

The mediaeval wall paintings and consecration crosses were uncovered in the 1920's following a chance discovery by workmen of a cross beneath the surface of the south wall. The consecration crosses date from the reconstruction of the nave in the 14th century. In the chancel are the earliest remaining parts of the building in the form of 13th century wall arcading.

There are three sedilia and nearby is a 13th century piscina. By comparison you will also see the newest addition to the chancel, the Millennium Cross, made out of branches of our 1000 year old yew tree, which can still be seen in the churchyard.

Between the chancel and chapel is the arcade, with the two arches nearest the nave dating from the 13th century. The parclose screen inserted into the arcade is a very fine example of 15th century woodwork.. The chapel also houses a particularly fine 14th century oak chest.

The above co-ordinates are for the entrance to the Graveyard from the Pay and Display Car park

To find the cache you will need to fill in the gaps

51 21.(F+E)(D+A)(E+C)     000 36.(F-A+E)(B-E)(D-F+E)

First Location - N 50° 21.764 E 000° 36.484

Jill Patch lived from (A)nd June 1938 - 11th January 1997
Richard King lived from 15th May 1975 - (B)th February 1998

Second Location - N 50° 21.734 E 000° 36.539

Herbie Preston Died 3rd July 20(C)5
Rose Preston Died 17th August 200(D)

Third Location - N 50° 21.769 E 000° 36.568

Clara Callaway died 10th January 19(E)3
George W Callaway died 23rd January 19(F)7 age 86

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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.com.

See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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