St Martin's Church, Eynsford, Kent

St Martin's Church, Eynsford Church

Image Source: Rob Baker

Eynsford's church, dedicated to the fourth century bishop St. Martin of Tours, sits on a piece of high ground opposite the ford from which the village takes its name. The present structure is early Norman in origin, built around c1080 to replace an existing Saxon chapel. The patron was a loyal knight of King William the Conqueror, the first William de Eynsford, who lived at the fortified castle further down the road. The church is built into the side of a hill and consequently the floor noticeably slopes upwards from the west entrance. The chancel is accessed via a set of steps and ends with an apsidal sanctuary with three lancet windows. This was added in the 13th century, at the same time as a transept was built to the south, which is now used as a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. A tomb recess, dating from 1280-90 can be found in the chapel's south wall, behind the modern altar. The 13th century also saw the addition of a north chapel adjoining the chancel, although by c1500 it had been demolished. The blocked up arches can still be seen. In the early 16th century a new west tower and shingled spire was built. The church is entered through a large Galilee porch that also dates from c1500, but then leads straight to the original 12th century Norman doorway crowned with a tympanum, which was left intact when the new tower was built. Two 14th century coffin slabs from the demolished north chapel are located in the porch. The Perpendicular font, with carvings on each of its eight sides, also dates from the early Tudor period. The 16th century north aisle has now been partitioned to provide modern facilities including two upper rooms. In the last decade the church has been completely reordered with new flooring and modern chairs allowing for greater flexibility but without detracting from the medieval feel of the building, which is still retained by the simple plainness of the light and airy interior. There is only one piece of stained-glass, found in the centre panel of the chapel's southern window. Tiny corbel heads peer down from lofty vantage points high on the walls. There are a collection of 17th century ledger slabs commemorating members of the Gifford family in the sanctuary floor; one Jacobean monument to a Margaret Bosvile (died 1682) in the transept; and one plain early 19th century monument to the Moyser family on the north wall of the chancel. Other notable features include a fine set of George III Royal Arms above the tower arch and a modern plaque commemorating lawyer and Middlesex cricketer Alexander Pitcairn (died 1813) who is buried under the nave. The remote and sparsely populated Pitcairn Island in the Pacific Ocean, was apparently named after his brother Robert. Text by Rob Baker

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: 400

Morning Attendance: 150

Afternoon Attendance: 180

Evening Attendance: No service

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration: 1871

Second Restoration:

Notes

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