The Church of St Mary, Fawkham, set in a valley of the North Downs of Kent, almost certainly occupies the site of its Saxon predecessor; that church, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book, was probably of wood and no trace of it remains. The present church dates from the early 12th century and was doubtless built by one of a Norman family that had settled in Fawkham, taking their name - de Faukeham - from this place. Their manor house stood a stone's throw from the east end of the church; its foundations still lie beneath the pleasant meadow that encircles the churchyard on three sides.
This Norman church was a simple building of nave and chancel, made largely from chalk and flint and timber, all materials that lay close at hand, and so to a remarkable degree it has remained. The few additions are the south porch andthe bell-turret, both medieval, and a tiny vestry and store. The walls continue plastered in the medieval manner; only in their larger windows, mostly inserted in the early 14th century, is major change to be seen.
At the above co-ords there is a sign board on the south side of the car park entrance. The rectory is at A St Johns Lane.
At the north side of the entrance there is a post. Consecrated ground B96C (updated 26/3/17).
Now walk around to the other side of the church and into the wooden porch. Thieves beware © 20DE (it's on a wooden signboard and currently is covered over by a no smoking sign). There is also a sign on the door frame about saving heat. There are F letters in the 4th word.
Continue on the path towards the Lychgate. At some point you will go past a gravestone to Sarah Ward who died in February 19GH.
A 1.5ml plastic container can be found at:
N51° 23. (E-F) (A+D) (C+H)
E00° 17. (B+G) (((E/G)+D-B+(F/H)+A)*C) (E-G)
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