Churches Committee visit to High Halden and Bethersden
Approximately 35 participants enjoyed the KAS Churches Committee’s visit to High Halden and Bethersden in July. These villages are located between Ashford and Tenterden towards the eastern end of the Weald and each is possessed of a fine medieval church rich in interesting features.
Committee chairman Mary Berg welcomed everyone at High Halden and invited local historian Mary Adams to speak about St Mary’s Parish Church. There has probably been a church in this Wealden clearing village since the 12th or 13th century, but the present structure largely dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. The most remarkable feature is the 14th century timber west tower whose massive structure supports the weight of six bells. Visitors were allowed to ascend the tower’s ancient ladders and examine its fascinating construction. The church is also blessed with a beautiful 14th century south porch, which is understandably popular for wedding photographs, and the survival of some 15th century stained glass in the side chapels and chancel. The Victorian restoration, carried out by George Street, involved the raising of the chancel floor level and this has ironically led to subsidence in recent years. The church is well cared for, however, and the children’s corner in the south aisle demonstrates this.
that it is still the home of a living, worshiping community.
St Margaret’s Bethersden is a large and lofty church, prominently sited in the main street, and consists of a fine tower, nave with side aisles and a spacious chancel with side chapels. The speaker here was Brian Robinson, chairman of the Bethersden Parish Records Society. A pre-Norman church existed, but the present building in the Perpendicular style mostly dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. Mr Robinson explained that this is one of the few churches in Kent allowed to keep its historic records. Some members of the Records Society attended and kindly set out a sample of the documents of which they act as custodians. Since 1989 they have raised £26,000 for their care and conservation. The parish chest in which these documents were formerly kept can still be seen at the back of the nave. The church has many other interesting features and associations, such as with the famous Lovelace family who occupied a large house (since disappeared) near the church between the 15th and 17th centuries. Bethersden parish is, of course, also the source of the well-known Bethersden ‘marble’ and examples of it are to be found in the Lovelace chapel as well as elsewhere in the church. Visitors were once again allowed to ascend the tower from which a fine view could be enjoyed. A fascinating afternoon concluded with tea and biscuits kindly provided by the hosts at Bethersden.