Discovering Churches

Group: Discovering Churches

Meets: Meets on the second Monday of the month.

Venue: No fixed venue

Details:

Each month we visit a church and have a talk and/or guided tour to help us uncover its history, architecture and other points of interest such as monuments, hatchments and stained glass.  At their discretion members either make individual donations or contribute to a Group donation to the church.  Visits are usually followed by an optional pub lunch. 

Contact: Email the group leader(s) at discoveringchurches@tonbridgeu3a.uk 

Group Leaders: Pauline and Nicholas Luck

The Historic Churches Group enjoyed a fascinating visit to St Mary's Church, Westerham, in July, where history, hospitality and good company combined to make for a memorable day. 

Our visit began with a warm welcome from members of the church, complete with hot drinks and delicious homemade cheese scones. A local historian then brought the church's remarkable past to life, sharing fascinating stories and providing a wealth of information about one of Kent's oldest places of worship. St Mary's has stood at the heart of Westerham for well over a thousand years. The present building dates mainly from the 15th and 14th centuries, although a church is believed to have occupied the site since Saxon times. Among its many treasures are a rare medieval spiral staircase, beautiful timber roofs, historic Royal Coats of Arms and the medieval font where General James Wolfe and three of Winston Churchill's grandchildren were baptised. After exploring the church, the group enjoyed a leisurely lunch at The Grasshopper on the Green, before several members returned for another wander through the church and its peaceful grounds. Westerham itself proved well worth exploring, with its attractive High Street, cafes and traditional pubs adding to an enjoyable day. 

The Historic Churches Group continues to visit churches across the region, discovering not only remarkable buildings but also the people and stories that have shaped them over the centuries. Every visit offers something new, making each outing an enjoyable blend of history, architecture, friendship and shared discovery.