St Mary's Church, Capel-le-Ferne, church in Capel-le-Ferne, Kent, England, UK
St Mary's Church in Capel-le-Ferne is a small 12th-century church building with flint stone walls and a tiled roof situated in rural countryside. The interior features a 14th-century stone screen with three arches, a single Norman window on the north side, 15th-century choir windows, an octagonal baptismal font, and faint painted foliage in the window recesses.
The church was constructed in the 12th century using flint stone and served the local community for centuries as its spiritual center. The 14th-century stone screen was added later, and in the 15th century the windows were enlarged, though the original small Norman window was preserved, and a major restoration occurred in 1890.
The church's name reflects its dedication to the Virgin Mary, and visitors can observe how the 14th-century stone screen with its arches still marks the spiritual center of the interior. The faint wall paintings visible in the window recesses show how decoration and faith were expressed in this medieval space.
Access to the church is straightforward with just a small step down at the entrance, and walking through the quiet surroundings poses no difficulties. The building lacks modern amenities like heating or restrooms, and lighting is controlled by a timer or motion sensor to help preserve the structure.
The 14th-century stone screen features an uncommon large round opening above its arches, a rare detail found in very few other churches in England. This distinctive opening, originally intended to frame a rood cross, makes this screen a notably unusual architectural feature within the church.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
