Cathedral on the Marsh, Lydd

Hi folks, after a few days away I bring you some of our journey around Kent.

All Saints Parish Church, known as the "Cathedral on the Marsh" is the longest church in Kent at 199 ft (61 meters) and has one of the tallest towers in the county at 132 ft (40 meters). Parts of it where built in the 5th century and the first church registers for christenings and marriages are in 1542.

It houses an interesting collection of Monumental Brasses on the floor and some placed on the north wall to protect them from wear.

In the Nave are a selection of fruit and flowers from Harvest Festival.

Various plaques are on the wall, this one in memory of a 22 years old killed on the Somme in the "Great War", which is very poignant at this time.

The north wall is the site of the crest and motto. 

next to it fixed to the wall are remnants of the Rood Screen, there were actually nine pieces in all.

Shot of the splendid ceiling under the bell tower.

In the Chancel is a memorial to Thomas Godfrey with above it the coats of arms of his three wives.

In 1940 a stray bomb destroyed the Sanctuary and the roofs and windows badly damaged.  The repairs and restoration were completed in 1958 with a new brighter ceiling as you can see with the original roof beyond.

Newly fitted modern lancet windows and another altar finished the renovation.

I like to find the Year candle and here it is, looking towards the Sanctuary.

The view from the rear showing the renewed Sanctuary and renovated window and surrounds to the St John Chapel.  It is not too obvious although the window of the Lady Chapel is different not all of the church was built at the same time and there must have been a reason.

Thanks for looking, Mike