A photograph of an old church in Barming, Kent just outside Maidstone showing the graveyard on a sunny day.
The original church of St Margaret's was probably constructed in the early, years of the twelfth century and possibly stands on the site of the former Roman villa. The plan indicates that it was a typical early Norman church, being little more than a plain oblong building without aisle tower, porch or chancel arch. The east, wall of the present chancel with its three narrow Norman windows, a type rarely found in country churches, is the only visible remains of this original Norman church. The tower, with its impressive spire, together with the porch and possibly the chancel arch, were constructed cl450, and were probably made possible by the wealth of John Pimpe, who also endowed Nettlestead church. Only the tower is in its original state, both the spire and the porch being restored in the eighteenth century. The parish registers record that this was carried out between 1725 - 35 and that the vane was set up in 1726. Barming is justifiably proud of its church in its very picturesque setting in the Medway valley. The building and its surroundings are a testament to those who in the past have devoted resources time and energy to the preservation of a Kentish landmark which will hopefully be a flourishing centre of the community for centuries to come.
Size: 3872px × 2592px
Photo credit: © Trevor Boston / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
Keywords: barming, church, churchyard, england, graveyard, historic, kent, maidstone, margarets, religion, st
