St Botolph's Church, Lullingstone, Kent

St Botolph's Church, Lullingstone Church

Image Source: John Vigar

This is not a private chapel, and may be visited at all times, even though you walk across the private lawn of Lullingstone Castle to reach it. From the south the eighteenth-century alterations made to the two-cell Norman may be clearly seen. The walls were raised to accommodate an elaborate plaster ceiling, and a south porch was added. Yet these were not the first alterations to have taken place: in the sixteenth century a north chapel was added to the chancel to take the tomb of Sir John Peche (d. 1522) which lies under an arch between chancel and chapel. Sir John was also responsible for building the rood screen, which contains carvings of peach stones as a rebus (or pun) on his name. This screen was embellished in the eighteenth century when the wooden balustrade was added to the top. There are further monuments of note; on the south side of the chancel is the large monument to Sir Percyvall Hart (d. 1581) whilst in the north chapel is the splendid chest tomb of Sir George Hart (d. 1587) in complete contrast to the Gothick wall panel opposite commemorating his descendant Percyvall Hart (d. 1738). It is good to know that the Hart Dyke family connection with the church continues, for here true continuity of social history may be studied as in no other Kent church.

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: 132

Morning Attendance: 34

Afternoon Attendance: 22

Evening Attendance: No service

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration:

Second Restoration:

Notes

Website

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