Image Source: John Salmon

 

This is the old church of St Mary, standing on the banks of the River Medway at one of its early crossing points. On the opposite bank stands Snodland, whose church has a similar tower and the suggestion that these buildings were used as shelters by medieval pilgrims is probably correct. The church was abandoned in the late nineteenth century when a replacement church was built to the designs of E W Stephens in the village centre. This was subsequently demolished in the 1980s, but the old church was not brought back into use. Maintained on a shoestring for decades, by the 1950s the old church was almost derelict. Then it was saved by the Friends of Friendless Churches and eventually vested in The Churches Conservation Trust. Its walls tell of early thirteenth century aisles long demolished, whilst the clear glass windows shed much light into this simple and peaceful building. Keyholder nearby West tower, nave and chancel in one, south porch.

 

 

Church Data

 

1851 Census Details

 

Seating Capacity: 146

Morning Attendance: 74

Afternoon Attendance: No service

Evening Attendance: No service

 

Architecture Details

 

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration: -

Second Restoration: -

 

Notes

 

The Churches Conservation Trust

 

Website

 

http://www.visitchurches.org.uk

 

Contact Form

 

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.

 

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St Mary Old Church, Burham

 

  

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