St Mary's Church, Sellindge, Kent

St Mary's Church, Sellindge Church

Image Source: John Salmon

An idiosyncratic church that gives more questions than answers. Of Norman origin, it was first enlarged in the thirteenth century by the addition of a memorable north chapel. Following this the north aisle was either added or rebuilt, and the lot remodelled about a hundred years later. This tells us when the odd half-arch at the east end of the north aisle came into being, but not why. To the north of this is the fine rood loft staircase so it may be the result of a remodelling when the screen was rebuilt to go right across the width of the church. There is a fine tomb in the arch between the chancel and chapel – and by looking carefully at his feet you can see that his ankles have been cut off to make it fit the space. Indeed, we have documentary evidence to show that originally he knelt on top of the chest, rather than being squeezed behind it, so he had to be shortened to fit the space! At the west end, the tower arch has been filled (2010) with colourful glass by a local artist.

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: 330

Morning Attendance: 177

Afternoon Attendance: 307

Evening Attendance: No service

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration:

Second Restoration:

Notes

Website

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