This cache is part of an extension to Sadexploration’s immensely far–reaching Church Micro series.
Church Micro 799 – St James the Great, East Malling
“The ragstone church is the heart of the village. In sunshine the church takes on, a little, the honey glow of cotswold stone. In rain, the ragstone is so saturated it weeps”.
Michael McNay, 'Portrait of a Kentish Village'.
St James is a beautiful rural church, set in the small village of East Malling. There has been a church building on the land since around 945AD. The first church building was much smaller than the current church and known as St Marys. This name was changed to 'St James the Great', when festivals and other things honouring the mother of Jesus were abolished at the Reformation.
St James, as it stands now, dates from around the middle of the 14th century, having grown in size through the earlier centuries, gaining a chancel, aisles, a porch and a taller tower. The church has contained bells in its tower for more than 300 years, the first five hung in 1695 and the sixth added in 1831. The striking blue and gold clock, clearly visible as you approach the front of the church, was made by a local blacksmith more than 200 years ago.
This micro cache is hidden on a public footpath, not in the church grounds. You will need to bring along your own pen, as the cache is only big enough for the log.
Please replace the cache in EXACTLY the same position in which you found it. Thanks :)
“If anybody would like to expand this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication. There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page found via the Bookmark list”