(Picture: St Martin of Tours Church)
Over 30 Church of England churches across the areas of Medway, north and west Kent, and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley, are hosting free events as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days which take place between 9 and 18 September.
Magali van der Merwe, Community Engagement and Social Action Lead for the Diocese of Rochester says:
“Churches have been at the heart of their communities for hundreds sometimes thousands of years, just as they continue to be today.
“Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to discover our historical connections, and to make fresh ones, as we explore together these beautiful buildings, fascinating artefacts, and uncover the personal stories of endeavour and faith they contain.”
At St Mary’s, Higham, on Sunday 11 September, visitors can explore the lovely medieval church, as well as learn about Higham's industrial heritage through photographic displays, reminiscence sessions and guest speakers. Tours of the medieval church can also be booked in advance. Visit: www.stmaryschurchhigham.com/
On Saturday 10 September, discover the fascinating local history of Chelsfield and the wider parish with a visit to the Norman church of St Martin of Tours, Orpington. With historic records on show, beautiful church embroidery, and a chance to hear a demonstration of the eight bells, some of which are over 350-years-old, visitors are sure to have an enlightening time.
Also on show will be a 13th century Papal Bulla found by a local metal detectorist. A Papal Bulla is a seal made of lead which would have been attached to a document from the Pope as a sign that it was genuine.
Visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/chelsfield-st-martin-of-tours-church
In Chatham, the recently renovated and reopened St John’s Church, built in 1821, will be open for visitors to explore. Visitors can also explore some family history, with the Registers of Marriages available to look at from 1911 to the present day. As the first electrically lit public building in Chatham, it also houses important war memorials as well as some beautiful stained-glass windows.
Like Magali,The Rev Martyn Saunders of St John’s Chatham agrees agrees that Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together
“St John’s Chatham is one of the most prominent buildings in Chatham. We are pleased to introduce its delights to a new generation of residents and visitors and to welcome long-term residents back into the building.
"The scale and heritage of the building is something that we want to share with the whole community particularly through the Heritage Open Days”
More details about the events at St John’s can be found at: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/st-johns-chatham
- See the map below to explore all the churches taking part in the Heritage Open Days 2022