St John's Commandery Open House
St. Johns Commandery Chapel, Swingfield, Kent, Kent, CT15 7HG
Step into the atmospheric 13th‑century chapel and hall of a former Knights Hospitallers commandery, managed today by English Heritage. Originally built around 1230, this flint‑walled gem served both religious and domestic purposes—first as a medieval chapel, later as a farmhouse following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s.
Look up to admire the striking medieval crown‑post roof, with timbers dating to circa 1400, replacing an earlier structure. The interior also boasts richly moulded 16th‑century ceilings with decorative beams in the former hall. Architectural features of note include the tall lancet windows—original east-facing windows with oculi, now blocked internally—and a C13 piscina and aumbry in the south and north walls. During the 1970s, conservation removed inserted floors to restore its original spatial volume.
St John's Commandery was once the centre of a medieval estate overseen by the Order of St John of Jerusalem; it housed knights, chaplains, craftsmen, and lay servants. The commandery managed agricultural and charitable activities until it was surrendered to the Crown in the Dissolution.
Especially for Heritage Open Days: Unlike regular visits (which require an appointment), this event allows free internal access—no booking necessary. Come and discover the fascinating blend of medieval architecture and later farmhouse life, all preserved within this intimate English Heritage site.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Saturday 13 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Sunday 14 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Monday 15 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Tuesday 16 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Wednesday 17 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Thursday 18 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Friday 19 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Saturday 20 September:
- 10am to 4pm
- Sunday 21 September:
- 10am to 4pm
Location & directions
St. Johns Commandery Chapel, Swingfield, Kent, Kent, CT15 7HG
- Directions:
- Located in Swingfield, just off the A260, St John’s Commandery is signposted locally and sits within a rural setting. The site address is Swingfield, Dover, Kent, CT15 7HG. What3Words ///teardrop.result.nitrogen. Limited parking is available onsite, with a gravel surface and some grass to cross before reaching the chapel entrance. Public transport options are limited, but nearby bus routes and local cycle paths offer alternative access. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and check local timetables if arriving by bus.
- Contact on day:
- Hannah West
- Telephone number:
- +447747835969
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Access to St John’s Commandery involves navigating stairs at the entrance and within the building. Access around the exterior of the chapel is across grass and gravel. Uneven surfaces are present throughout, which may pose challenges for visitors with limited mobility. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear and take care when navigating the interior.
