St Mary's Church, Goudhurst facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church, Goudhurst
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Location	Goudhurst, Kent
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
History
Status	Parish church
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade I
Designated	20 June 1967
Completed	Pre-1119
Administration
Parish	Goudhurst
Deanery	Weald
Archdeaconry	Maidstone
Diocese	Canterbury
Province	Canterbury

St Mary's Church is a very old and important church located in the village of Goudhurst, Kent, England. It is known as a parish church, which means it serves the local community. This church is so special that it has a 'Grade I' listing, meaning it's a building of great historical interest.

Exploring St Mary's Church Building

The church stands on top of a hill. From its tower, you can see amazing views of the countryside around it. Because of this great view, the church tower was used as a key point in a big survey. This survey, done between 1784 and 1790, helped measure the exact distance between the Paris Observatory in France and the Royal Greenwich Observatory in England.

The church itself is a large building made of sandstone. It was built in the 13th century. Over hundreds of years, it has been changed and repaired many times. In 1637, lightning struck the church, destroying its tall spire and part of the tower. The next year, three builders from London rebuilt the west tower. They used a mix of old and new styles. The clock face you see today was added in the early 1900s.

Inside the church, you'll find many interesting features. The main part of the church, called the nave, has five arched sections. There are also old wooden screens, some of which are from the 14th or 15th centuries. One screen in the South chapel was carved to remember those who served in the First World War. The pulpit, where sermons are given, has figures of apostles carved into it. The font, used for baptisms, has a bowl from the 1800s but sits on a much older base, possibly from the 1400s.

Between 1865 and 1870, the church had a major restoration. This work was done by famous architects of the time. Later, in 1877, more work was done, including building a vestry and part of the South aisle. Inside, you can also see a remarkable painted wooden statue of Sir Alexander Culpeper, who passed away in 1537, and his wife.

A Look at the Church's History

The first time a church in Goudhurst was mentioned was in 1119. Back then, a man named Robert de Crevecoeur gave his church to Leeds Priory. This early St Mary's church would have been a small building. Monks from Combwell Priory served as chaplains there. It wasn't until around 1300 that a vicar, named Peter, was officially recorded.

The Battle of Goudhurst (1747)

In 1747, a real battle happened right at the church and in its churchyard! It was between the Goudhurst Militia, a local group led by a former army corporal named William Sturt, and the Hawkhurst Gang. This gang was a large and well-known group of smugglers.

When the gang's leader, Thomas Kingsmill, heard about the Militia, he was furious. He threatened to burn the village and harm its people if the Militia didn't stop and if Sturt wasn't handed over. He set a date: April 21, 1747.

But the villagers didn't give in. On the chosen day, the gang attacked, heavily armed. Some even took off their shirts to show their scars and tattoos, trying to scare everyone. However, the Militia was ready. In the first round of shots, they bravely defended the church. Thomas Kingsmill's brother, George, was killed. Two more smugglers also lost their lives during the fight.

After the battle, William Sturt lived out his later years helping people at the Goudhurst Workhouse. Thomas Kingsmill was later brought to justice in 1749.

Remembering People: Burials and Memorials

St Mary's Church is home to many memorials and tombs that tell stories of people from the past.

• In the north chapel, you can find monuments for Edmond Roberts (who died in 1627) and Richard Pack (who died in 1838). There's also one for Edward Lewis Miller (1831–1846), a young boy who died after falling from a cliff.
• In the chancel, there are large hanging monuments for William Campion (died 1615) and Rachel Campion (died 1606). These show William and Rachel kneeling, with figures of their nine children carved below.
• The south chapel has old brass plaques for John Bedgebury (died 1424) and members of the Culpepper family. You can also see a detailed monument to 'Young' Sir Alexander Culpepper (1541–1599). This monument, built in 1608, shows Sir Alexander kneeling with his son and wife, and figures representing his 16 grandchildren at the base.
• In the south aisle, there's a very important monument to 'Old' Sir Alexander Culpepper (died 1537). It's a special chest-like tomb with wooden statues of him and his wife. His head rests on his knight's helmet. This type of monument is quite rare!
• You'll also find memorials to the Bathurst family. One, for John Bathurst (died 1697), is known as the 'Bread Tomb'. This is because bread was once laid out on it to be given to the poor people of the parish.

Gallery

• 

  View down the nave towards the east

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  The bust on the monument of politician William Campion (1640–1702)

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  Memorial to William and Rachel Campion

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  Wooden carved and painted gesso monument to 'Old' Sir Alexander Culpepper (died 1537)

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  The tomb of 'Young' Sir Alexander Culpepper (died 1599) with his 16 grandchildren

See also

• Goudhurst