John Lawrence's photos with the keyword: Gravestones

Although there was a place of worship registered here in the 14th Century, this tiny church is entirely Victorian and is a building of great charm designed by Benjamin Ferrey in 1863. It is built of local flint with Bath stone dressings and is distinguished by a little spire let over, but not quite on, the west end. The interior is simple and consists of nave, apsidal chancel and little transepts. The east windows are by the St Helens Crown Glass Co., and represent the Ascension and Four Evangelists. The south window of 1900, by Kempe, shows the Epiphany. The good polished marble decorative shafts to either side of the chancel arch, together with the corbels in the nave, are typical of Ferrey's work. It is a pity that the original font, which was of fine Cornish marble and had matching marble shafts, had to be destroyed, owing to its instability, in 1955. I am digging out archives! (it was a bit dull) My thanks to all who visit and comment it is appreciated

Coldred comes from the Old English ‘col’ meaning ‘coal, especially charcoal’ with ‘ryde’ as a ‘clearing’; therefore, a ‘clearing where coal is found or made’. The Domesday Book records Coldred as Colret. Coldred parish church is dedicated to Saint Pancras, one of only 6 such dedications in the country. The Normans built the Church in the 11th century, within the newly constructed Motte and Bailey castle which was built by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother to William the Conqueror. An unknown founder cast a bell in the 14th century, which split in two in 1939. The two cell church remained much the same for the next 500 years. There was some restoration done by the Victorians. The uneven ground around the church is caused by the remains of the castle mentioned above, many Roman artefacts have been found in the surrounding area. Coldred, at nearly 400 feet (122 m) above sea level, is one of the highest places in East Kent MY THANKS TO ALL WHO VISIT AND COMMENT IT IS APPRECIATED