The Benefice Churches

Photo by Daniel Edward Young

Churchwarden: Nicola Fry                         

The church sits on a hill in the centre of the village and is approached through private land on public footpaths and a graveled track. It is sometimes known as the Church in the Garden. Parking is on the lane by the ford. Regretfully, access to the church may be difficult for the disabled.

Visitors to the church are very welcome. However, because of its isolated position, it is kept locked. Those who wish to see inside may borrow a key from Nicola Fry at The Old Palace, Old Palace Road, Bekesbourne (white building opposite the church) telephone: 01227830319

The present building was begun in the 12th century, replacing an earlier church mentioned in Domesday Book A fine Norman doorway in the north wall of the nave and two windows in the chancel survive from this period. The church was extended to its present length in the 13th century. The twin lancet windows in the east wall and the arch between the nave and the tower are the most notable surviving features of this "Early English" date. A south transept was built early in the 18th century. The tower is reputed to have fallen down early in the 19th century and was rebuilt in 1841. The rest of the church was restored in the 1880s and looks now, both inside and out, very much as it did on completion of the restoration at that time.

The village war memorial stands in the churchyard. Work is in hand to map the churchyard and draw up a list of graves. The preliminary list may be found at www.cobhamcourt.co.uk.

 

The Friends of Bekesbourne Church                          

The Friends of Bekesbourne Church was set up in 1994 to raise funds for St. Peter's. It runs a number of events each year which both raise money for the church and add to the village's social occasions. The Chair of the Friends committee is Mrs Christine Dutfield. 

 

 

 

 

Music at St Peter's 

The church has a ring of six bells which date from the 1880s. They were restored and re-hung in 2003. Ringing takes place before the 10am services.

The captain of bells is Mrs Gillian Moon. e-mail: gillandsidmoon@gmail.com.  The band practices on Monday evenings at 7.30pm. Visiting ringers are welcome but should check first that the practice is taking place that Monday. Visiting teams should consult the captain of bells.

The church has a fine two-manual Bevington organ dating from about 1880. It was restored in 2003.

 

Eco-church

In late 2019 St Peter's Bekesbourne was awarded a silver level eco-chuch award.

 

The Church Bell Ropes of St Peter's and the Bevington Organ, photos provided by Daniel Edward Young

 

 

 

Find the Church

All our parishes are located to the South East of Canterbury.

For your Sat Nav, please use the postcode CT4 5ER.

 

Accessibility

Access to this chuch is restricted. There is a long gravel path incline with steps.

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safeguarding contacts: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding/diocesan-safeguarding-contacts