St Lawrence's Church, Otterden, Kent

St Lawrence's Church, Otterden Church

Image Source: John Vigar

How does one describe a unique building? This church, now owned by a charity, is the most rewarding 18th century structure in Kent many times over. Built by an 18th century benefactor on medieval foundations it is still furnished with its original Chinese Chippendale benches and Box Pews. Monuments from the former church were saved and include medieval brasses and figurative sculpture probably by Epiphanius Evesham (see Lynsted). All this deserves detailed study. Later work includes a short Victorian chancel and 20th century stained glass, the most important of which is surely the NW window by Wilhelmina Geddes, depicting the Prodigal Son. Its colours and form predate Chagall by two generations. The more recent SW window of 60 years later is a poor match in comparison. Location, within the park of the big house, is truly satisfying and if you can only make arrangements to see the inside of one Kent church you should make it this one.

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: 170

Morning Attendance: 39

Afternoon Attendance: 72

Evening Attendance: No service

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: 1753

Restoration: Wheeler 1894

Second Restoration:

Notes

Website

http://

Queries Relating to this Church

To contact this church, please try: A Church Near You

This Kent Churches website is provided to you for free, running at a loss in order to remain advert-free. If you are enjoying using the site and would like to make a small contribution towards our expenses, it would be most gratefully received. You can donate via Paypal.