St Margaret's Church, Broomfield , Kent

St Margaret's Church, Broomfield Church

Image Source: John Vigar

Standing on quite a hill overlooking a verdant valley, St Margaret’s is a Norman church with later alterations. The blocked Norman window may be seen on the north wall. The chancel is nineteenth century, replacing a classical one which in turn replaced a thirteenth century structure – and is remarkably long. The west tower is fifteenth century. Inside two blocked arches look as though they led into transeptual chapels but the northernmost would have cut through the Norman window, and as there is no evidence outside one suspects that the south chapel (the capital of which survives) did exist and that the northern arch was built to match it inside but in fact never led anywhere. The church was restored in 1880 and a north window commemorates the fact. It contains the fine arms of the Wykeham Martin family – including the eponymous bird. The eat window with grapes of many colours is slightly earlier and is rather fun. The font is Victorian and, amazingly for a church that has electricity, the organ is still hand-pumped! Outside is a `Holy Well` which is dressed each year. If only this church were visited by the thousands who pile into Leeds Castle just over the hill!

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: 130

Morning Attendance: No service

Afternoon Attendance: No service

Evening Attendance: No service

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration: G M Hills 1879

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.