St Nicholas's Church, Linton, Kent

St Nicholas's Church, Linton Church

Image Source: John Salmon

Originally constructed in the Norman period, St. Nicholas occupies a prominent position at the summit of Linton Hill with fine views overlooking the Weald of Kent. Nothing remains of the Norman church today. It was extended in the 13th and 14th centuries with a south aisle and adjoining chapel, which since the 1860s has been the organ vestry. Between 1560-65 the church was substantially rebuilt with the north chapel added around this time. For much of its history St. Nicholas has been patronised by the owners of the Linton Park estate located immediately to the east of the church. The north chapel, now the Cornwallis Chapel after the aristocratic family who acquired Linton Park in 1824, contains a number of monuments; including two large marble effigies sculpted by E.H. (Edward Hodges) Baily, who also carved the statue of Nelson at the top of the famous column in Trafalgar Square. The lifelike figure of Charles Mann, the Viscount Brome, who died in 1835 aged just 22, has been sculptured lying on a Grecian couch; while Laura, the Countess Cornwallis (died 1840) is depicted sleeping on a couch holding a book in her hand. Nearby is a chest tomb and white marble urn, a monument to Galfridas Mann (died 1756); sculpted by Richard Bentley. The oldest monument commemorates local landowner Sir Anthony Mayne (died 1615) and his wife. Made of alabaster it was deliberately damaged after less than 40 years with both husband and wife having their hands cut off - a probable reason being that in 1648, Mayne's son, John, led the Royalists against the Parliamentarians in the Battle of Maidstone in Civil War. The Royalists lost; and it is reputed that Parliamentarian soldiers entered the church and symbolically damaged his father's monument. Another of Mayne's sons, also called Sir Anthony, who died in 1627, is commemorated on an alabaster monument in the north aisle, between his two wives, Francis and Mary. Positioned at the top is a smaller figure known as the Faithful Gardener - a completely unknown (and perhaps mythical) character. St. Nicholas was extensively restored in 1860 by architect R.C. (Richard Charles) Hussey with the work being funded by sisters Louisa and Elizabeth Cornwallis of Linton Park. The chancel was extended eastwards but the former medieval piscina and credence shelf still remains in situ behind the Victorian-era choir stalls. The south aisle and nave were extended westwards; necessitating the demolition of the 15th century west tower. A completely new tower, complete with spire, was built in the north west corner. Hussey's restoration also added the north aisle (where the 17th century monument of Sir Anthony Mayne and his wives is now displayed); a south porch and a small vestry to the north of the chancel. The stained-glass windows were designed by the firm of Clayton & Bell, and installed between 1862 and 1911. The most impressive is the large west window depicting the Nativity while the east window featuring the three Marys at the Sepulchre is unusual. Tucked away in the north wall of the tower is a single light window showing Jesus as the Good Shepherd in what is now the kitchen. This window was given as a memorial to Ellen Edwards, the local schoolmistress at the turn of the 20th century. The rood screen dividing nave from chancel dates from 1949. It was given as a Second World War memorial by Col. R. Olaf Hambro who was then the owner of Linton Park and a churchwarden for 22 years. Text by Rob Baker

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: No return

Morning Attendance: 300

Afternoon Attendance: No service

Evening Attendance: No service

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: 1860 Hussey

Restoration:

Second Restoration:

Notes

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