St Martin of Tours Church, Chelsfield

The Norman church of St Martin of Tours is set in a beautiful and extensive country churchyard just half a mile from the edge of suburban London. The church has monuments dating back to the 17th century, Edwardian and modern stained glass windows, and a striking nave roof. There is a memorial to Brass Crosby, the 18th century parliamentary reformer who was Lord Mayor of London but who was also imprisoned in the Tower of London after demanding that the minutes of Parliament be published. Historic church records dating back to the 16th century will be on display, together with a Papal Bulla dating from the 13th Century which was found locally and gifted to the church during lockdown. There will also be a display of specially designed church vestments decorated with ecclesiastical embroidery and an exhibition by the Local History Group about the history of the village and the wider parish. There will be guided tours of the churchyard - there are seven Commonwealth War Graves and many other interesting characters are buried here, and it is also a haven for plants and wildlife. Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

1400-1700

Location & directions

St Martin of Tours Church, Church Road, Chelsfield, Orpington, Greater London, BR6 7SN

Directions:

The church is located on the North West corner of Court Road (A224) and Church Road, with vehicle access via Church Road. The entrance to the car park is immediately on the right as you turn off the main road. The church is a short walk from Chelsfield Village and 1 mile to the South East of Chelsfield Railway Station. The local bus route R7 connects the village with Orpington Railway Station. Sat Nav: The church doesn't have a post code. The closest ones are BR6 7SN & BR6 7RF but they take you several hundred metres away. The church is on Google Maps, and the drive entrance has a ‘what3words’ reference of ‘finger.amused.rate’. Ordnance Survey ref. TQ480639.

Contact on day:

Philippa Rooke

Telephone number:

+447826516481

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The main access to the church has two steps down, a ramp is available and there is flat access via the Brass Crosby room further along the path at the rear. Inside the church there is one step up to the chancel but there is flat access around via the vestry for smaller wheelchairs.

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