Paddlesworth

St Benedict

  • Churches Conservation Trust
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St Benedict, Paddlesworth
Image source: John Vigar

Another typical Kent two-cell church built of flint rubble. Of mid-Norman date it served a manor house and adjoining agricultural settlement which declined in the mid-seventeenth century when the lord of the manor moved elsewhere. Some windows were replaced in the thirteenth century when the present chancel arch with its funny-face headstops was constructed. The aumbry in the south wall of the nave is formed of chalk blocks which are visible outside, showing the relative thin-ness of the Norman walls. At the back of the church is a fine medieval wooden screen brought from elsewhere and formed into a gallery. For much of its history this church was used as both barn and cottage, and it is now cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust.

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