Church, Keston, Kent

Church, Keston Church

Image Source: Chris Luscombe

Originally a Norman church, this lovely church was extended very slightly to the west by the Victorians under the direction of Henry Blackwell. His is the weird half-timbered bellcote over the western gable. Two original Norman doorways survive, the southern one now leading into the meeting room extension added in the late twentieth century. Of this date, too, is the very successful re-ordering of the chancel, with chairs arced around the altar for the use of the choir. The altar frontal itself is an outstanding modern design. Many items in the church carry the unique `Keston Mark` an elaborate cross unique to the village, which may have Roman origins. Hanging on the south wall of the nave is an eighteenth century painting of Aaron - its accompanying Moses having been stolen many years ago. These paintings were once common in the Georgian period but few churches have retained them. The startling jewel-like stained glass windows are mainly by the form of Barton, Kinder and Alderson and date from the 1950s, replacing glass destroyed in the war. A difficult to explain blocked arch in the southeast corner of the nave may have lead to a side chapel. Its eastern capital has been cut through to allow a ladder or staircase to climb to the former roodloft.

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: 130

Morning Attendance: No return

Afternoon Attendance: No return

Evening Attendance: No return

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration: 1878 Blackwell

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.