John E. Vigars Kent Church Photographs
Image Source: John Vigar
Petham is a little visited church high above its village on the edge of a picturesque valley. Burned out in the 1920s it has lost some of the patina of age but nonetheless it contains much of interest. The south aisle once had a lean to roof – as can be clearly seen inside today. Apart from that most of the church is thirteenth century and many lancets survive. Some have rere-arches, a decorative carved stone feature over the top inside that shows wealth. The lovely tie beams and wall plates were painted after the fire in a late Arts and Crafts form with colourful cherries and vines. The east window contains quarries that may have been made by Powell’s whilst at the west end against the wall is a thirteenth century stone coffin lid. Outside on the west wall of the tower is a much weathered cross, possibly of thirteenth century date, that was discovered in the eighteenth century walled up high in the tower. The intervention of a local clergyman saved it from destruction and preserved it for us to see.
Church Data
1851 Census Details
Seating Capacity: No return
Morning Attendance: 100
Afternoon Attendance: 200
Evening Attendance: No service
Architecture Details
Original Build Date/Architect: medieval
Restoration:
Second Restoration:
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