St John The Baptist's Church, Bredgar , Kent

St John The Baptist's Church, Bredgar Church

Image Source: John Salmon

This is a collegiate church, with much work of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. When the college was founded by Robert de Bredgar in 1393 the nave and south aisle were completely rebuilt. It was a case of premature enlargement, for the college was a very small foundation and seems to have used the existing north chapel for its services. In all events, the very cheap form of sedilia in the chancel - a dropped window-sill - shows that very little money was left after the completion of the west tower. This also meant that there was insufficient cash for the west door and instead of introducing a brand new feature, they re-used a Norman doorway! This reinforces the point that one should never date a wall by the architectural features within it. There is a small brass of one of the collegiate priests, Thomas Coly (d. 1518), whilst the house in which he lived survives on the opposite side of the road.

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: 300

Morning Attendance: 180

Afternoon Attendance: 180

Evening Attendance: No service

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration: -

Second Restoration: -

Queries Relating to this Church

Whilst I am happy to answer any historical or architectural questions for all churches on this site, I cannot answer day-to-day queries relating to Family History, services, burials etc. Please see the Contact page, for details of other organisations that may be able to assist with those sort of enquiries.