St Leonard's Church, Hythe, Medieval church building in Hythe, England
St Leonard's Church is a medieval church in Hythe that sits on a hill with a restored western tower and many Norman architectural features throughout. Inside, the building has several arches, stone pillars, a long nave with side aisles, and various burial areas.
The church began around 1080 when Hythe's High Street was the waterfront of a Cinque Port, making it central to maritime trade at that time. Over centuries, the building was rebuilt and altered as the town changed, but it remained important to the community.
Ship carvings scratched into the pillars of the south nave show how closely this place was tied to the maritime life of the town. These marks were left by worshippers whose daily lives revolved around the sea and trade.
The church welcomes visitors throughout the week and you can walk inside to see its interior and surrounding burial grounds. There is parking available near the building, making it convenient to reach on foot from the town center.
The basement of the nave holds a striking collection of around 1.000 ancient skulls arranged on shelves within four vaulted bays. This unusual display represents one of the largest assemblies of human remains kept in such a place.
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