St Mary's Church, Reading Street, Kent

St Mary's Church, Reading Street Church

Image Source: John Vigar

Confusingly known as Ebony church, because that is where the original church stood. Ebony was a small island to the south of the present settlement of Reading Street, and an annual open-air service is still held there. This charming fifteenth century church is a simple rectangle of Kentish ragstone, moved here stone by stone in 1858. The rebuilding was carried out by Bournes of Woodchurch - busy at the time on many other churches in this part of Kent. Its west end is distinguished by a jaunty little spirelet somewhat larger than the original. Some sources cite SS Teulon as the architect, others go for S. Teale. Whoever it was did a good job - going as far as putting a medieval cross-head found during rebuilding onto the east gable. Regrettably it was blown off in the war. The simple interior is focussed on a three-light Perpendicular window. A modern stained glass window adds a splash of colour amongst the otherwise clear glass, and a fine Georgian Royal Arms adds to the scene. The church is beautifully cared for but if you want to look inside you will need to go for the key.

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: SS Teulon 1858, rebuild of med church

Second Restoration:

Notes

Website

http://http://www.st-andrews-church.org.uk

Queries Relating to this Church

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