St Cosmas And St Damian's Church, Challock , Kent

St Cosmas And St Damian's Church, Challock Church

Image Source: John Vigar

One of the most isolated churches in Kent, situated on a lane that was closed to through traffic following the emparkation of Eastwell in the sixteenth century. The church is built of flint rubble and displays an interesting inset flint cross (one of three in Kent) on the west face of the tower. There is little stained glass as the church was severely damaged in the Second World War, but it is a direct result of that damage that has produced the wall paintings for which the church is now famous. When it was rebuilt two art students painted a series of murals in the north chapel to show stories from the lives of the patron saints, Cosmas and Damian. The figures are dumpy and stylised and altogether great fun! At the same time the chancel walls were painted by John Ward RA with scenes from the Life of Christ. These are more naturalistic and include portraits of local people in modern costume. One other furnishing of note survives - a prickett beam in the north chapel which was built in the fourteenth century to take votive candles, and a veil to hide the altar from view during Lent.

1851 Census Details

Seating Capacity: No return

Morning Attendance: No return

Afternoon Attendance: No return

Evening Attendance: No return

Architecture Details

Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval

Restoration: Harrisson, 1950

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.