The medieval church of All Saints in the picturesque village of Loose lies at the bottom of a valley four miles to the south of Maidstone.
It dates from the 13th century and was originally built as a chapel-of-ease to the collegiate church of All Saints, Maidstone. It was restored in the early 15th century by John Wotton, the master of the college.
The nave, chancel, north and south chapels and west tower are all 13th century in origin, but the rest of the church dates from the 19th century.
The north aisle was added in 1820 and the south aisle in 1860. It was then restored in 1878 after a fire, and again in 1888.
The arcades are 19th century in origin, although have been built in a 14th century style.
Throughout the church there is an impressive array of stained-glass windows, all dating from the Victorian era or later.
Two windows in the north aisle from 1892 are by C.E. (Charles) Kempe, and another from 1962 is by 20th century practitioner H. J. (Harry) Stammers.
Monuments in All Saints are few, but on the north wall of the chancel is a Jacobean memorial commemorating a merchant, Richard Beale (died 1702) who financed the stipend of the curate.
Other memorials commemorate various landowners, including those of the nearby manor house of Hayle Place who managed the paper mills of the Loose Valley which provided much employment in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In 2003 All Saints underwent an internal restoration, removing the wooden benches in favour of modern seating, and installing a kitchen and toilet facilities in what was formerly the north chapel.
Today it is a well attended church and in recent years has taken a conservative evangelical position within the Church of England.
Test by Rob Baker
