John E. Vigars Kent Church Photographs
Image Source: John Salmon
Picturesquely situated on a quiet bluff high above the main road, the simple flint exterior of Alkham church hides a remarkable surprise. From the south the building looks little different to many others in the region, but inside it immediately presents its trump card - a north aisle/chapel built in the thirteenth century which contains the finest blank wall arcading in any Kent church. This should be compared with the contemporary chancel arcading at Cooling and Woodchurch - in each designed to emphasise the importance of the (recently rebuilt) chancel. Here it served an altogether different purpose, competing with the nearby commandery of the Knights Hospitallers at Swingfield. At the west end of the nave, filling the tower arch, is a rather heavy but fine, wooden nineteenth century screen. The east window contains some fine nineteenth century glass. West tower, nave, chancel, north aisle, south porch
Church Data
1851 Census Details
Seating Capacity: 170
Morning Attendance: No service
Afternoon Attendance: 140
Evening Attendance: No service
Architecture Details
Original Build Date/Architect: Medieval
Restoration:
Second Restoration:
Notes
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