St. Nicholas' Church, Ringwould
Church Lane, Ringwould, Kent, CT14 8HR
The present church is thought to date from around 1130, with the first Rector of Ringwould being recorded as Everadus in 1153. It is possible that a wooden building previously stood on the site as the village has had settlements since the Bronze age, and Saxon graves were recorded nearby. The present building is certainly predated by the two mighty yew trees in the churchyard, one having been aged at 1300 years and the other at 1000 years.
The original 12th century church consisted of the present nave and part of the Chancel. During the next century the chancel was enlarged to its present dimensions. The final expansion of the building took place in the 14th century when the North aisle and porch were added.
The original wooden spire was in a dangerous condition by the early 17th century and in 1627 it was replaced by a flint and brick tower. There are six bells, one from the 14th century, four dated 1638 and one added as late as 1957. The Clock was inserted in the tower in 1920 as a War memorial to WWI.
Between 1867-69 the church underwent huge alterations so that most of the surface of the church that we now see dates from that period. The only original Norman windows remaining are are one containing the representation of St Nicholas in the West wall of the tower, and one in the south wall near the porch. Two trefoil headed windows remain in the chancel.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 10:00 - 16:00
Location & directions
Church Lane, Ringwould, Kent, CT14 8HR
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
