TQ9832 : Church of St Matthew
taken 2 years ago, near to Warehorne, Kent, England
Grade I listed.
The oldest part of the church is circa 1200, although the Domesday Book states there was a previous church here.
The aisles and chancel are 14th C. There is no chancel arch. An original western stone tower was completed mid 15th C.
The tower was struck by lightning in 1770 and was rebuilt in brick, the original tower arch surviving.
Both aisles are 3 bay arcades with round piers of Bethersden marble with coloured stratification.
The north aisle was probably originally a lady chapel with the glass at the top of the north east window original 14th C. Remains of openings to the rood loft can be seen. Original king posts in the roof.
The south aisle had a chapel to St Catherine, patron saint of wool. Indeed the pub opposite the church is "The Woolpack".
There was originally a musicians gallery, removed in 1889.
There are box pews and text and commandment boards throughout this light and airy church, partially due to lack of stained glass.
Grade I listed buildings and structures are of exceptional, even international importance. There are over 6,000 in the country. Only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I listed.
In Scotland the classification is Category A
Index: Link
Warehorne is a village in the Ashford District of Kent. It is a scattered community situated on the Hamstreet to Tenterden road (B2067) around seven miles southwest of Ashford. The Royal Military Canal passes through the parish.
The settlement is in three main parts. The main part of Warehorne is located near the village green. The Woolpack Inn and St Matthew's Church are linked by a tunnel built by smugglers. A second part of the village is known as the Leacon. This is sited at the crossroads on the B2067 and contains the former schoolhouse and now abandoned cricket field.
Finally, part of the larger village of Hamstreet falls within Warehorne's parish boundaries. The Saxon Shore Way links Warehorne with Hamstreet where the nearest shops and railway station can be found.