St Mary's Church, Nettlestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
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The west end of the church
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| Location | Nettlestead, Kent |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican Roman Catholic |
| Website | [1] |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 23 May 1967 |
| Completed | 13th, 15th and 19th centuries |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Mary's, Nettlestead |
| Deanery | Paddock Wood |
| Archdeaconry | Tonbridge |
| Diocese | Rochester |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Mary the Virgin is a historic church located in Nettlestead, Kent, England. Its construction began way back in the 13th century, making it a very old and interesting building to explore. Today, it serves as a local parish church for the community.
Contents
Discovering the Church's History
St Mary's Church has grown and changed over many centuries. The oldest part of the church is its square tower, which was built in the 13th century. This tower is made from a local stone called ragstone, which is a type of limestone. It has a unique pyramid-shaped roof covered with wooden shingles.
The tower features narrow, tall windows called lancet windows. These windows are found on three sides of the tower. In 1858, a medieval doorway was added to the tower. This doorway actually came from another church in Teston that was taken down.
The main part of the church, called the nave, was built around 1438. The north and south sides of the nave look very similar. They are divided into three sections by tall supports known as buttresses. These buttresses help to hold up the walls.
Each section has large stone-framed windows with curved tops. On the south side, there is also a porch that was added around 1496. A low, decorative stone base, called a plinth, runs along the bottom of both sides of the nave.
The Chancel and Its Design
The chancel, which is the area near the altar, was built about 1460. It is a bit narrower than the nave and has lower roof edges. The plinth from the nave continues along the chancel. The eastern corners of the chancel have diagonal buttresses for support.
The chancel has small, pointed windows on its north and south sides. The east end of the chancel has a larger, pointed window with three sections.
Inside the Church
Inside the chancel, the roof has a wooden ceiling with decorative carvings called bosses. The nave's roof is covered with plaster. At the base of the tower, you can see a beautiful wooden screen from the 15th century. This screen also came from the church in Teston.
The church also has special wall memorials. These include monuments to Elizabeth Scott (who passed away in 1598) and Katharine Scott (who passed away in 1616). Both memorials show kneeling female figures.
Beautiful Stained Glass
The church windows are filled with amazing stained glass. Some panels in the central window on the north side of the nave were paid for in 1438. These were likely funded by John or Reginald Pympe, who lived nearby at Nettlestead Place.
The stained glass in the north chancel window might be from the 1460s. Many windows also feature angels holding heraldic shields in their top sections, which date back to the 15th century. Other windows were added during the Victorian or Edwardian periods, but they were made in the 15th-century style.
Churchyard Memorials
Outside the church, there is a lychgate, which is a covered gateway to the churchyard. This lychgate holds a memorial to those who lost their lives in both World Wars. The churchyard also contains three special chest tomb memorials. These tombs are listed as Grade II historical buildings.
How the Church is Used Today
St Mary's Church is unique because it is used by two different Christian groups. Both the Church of England and Roman Catholic congregations hold services here. On Sundays, the Catholic Mass is held before the Anglican service.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Maidstone
