Church of St Mary the Virgin, Fordwich

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a Norman building with walls of ragstone, flint, and brick, topped by a west tower with a shingled spire. Inside, the structure shows typical Norman features with a simple layout and individual treasures from different periods.

The church was built around 1050 and received a chancel and north aisle in the 1100s. Its distinctive west tower with shingled spire developed as the building took its final form.

The interior holds a Norman font carved from Bethersden marble, royal arms from the late 1600s, and colorful windows from the 1900s. These pieces reflect the faith and taste of people across many centuries.

The visit requires attention to uneven flooring and two steps down from the entrance. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the floor feels irregular underfoot.

A limestone block roughly 5.5 feet long with tomb carvings from 1100 stands in the north aisle and may once have been part of Saint Augustine's shrine. This ancient stone remains one of the most mysterious objects inside.

Location: Fordwich

Inception: 11 century

Architectural style: Norman architecture

Website: http://visitchurches.org.uk/Ourchurches/Completelistofchurches/Church-of-St-Mary-the-Virgin-Fordwich-Kent

GPS coordinates: 51.29580,1.12710

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05