The historic church of St. Thomas Becket at Fairfield, Romney Marsh
Church of St. Thomas Becket, Becket Road, Fairfield, Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9RZ
St. Thomas Becket’s Church stands isolated in the most remote part of Romney Marsh. Visitors are required to cross a field which may be slippery in poor weather.
It was once only possible to reach the church by boat or on horse-back during winter floods! The marshy conditions took their toll on the original church and the present building is a faithful reconstruction using the original materials.
Local folklore tells of a lost village here, though no evidence has been found. Inside, the exposed beams and white Georgian fittings are very striking. The church has inspired numerous creatives including Rudyard Kipling and A.S. Byatt. It has even featured in films based on Charles Dickens' book Great Expectations, alongside A-listers.
Especially for Heritage Open Days, a volunteer from the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust will be on-hand to show visitors around on Saturday 20th September, from 10:30am-12:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm.
The church can be accessed throughout the Heritage Open Days period except for 19th September – a key hangs outside Becket House (nearest house in the Appledore direction).
The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust helps care for 14 medieval churches on Romney Marsh. It offers free audio-visual guides via its website and the app Izi Travel.
Each church also hosts one of The Marsh Mosaics, created by local people to celebrate the history and wildlife of Romney Marsh. Further details can be found on the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust website.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- A guide will be present from 10:30am-12:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm
Location & directions
Church of St. Thomas Becket, Becket Road, Fairfield, Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9RZ
- Directions:
- The church is positioned in a field off Becket Road (or Beckett Road), a lane that runs between Appledore and the A259. Sturdy footwear is advised and please take care in poor weather. If attending at a time when our guide is not present, a key hangs on the right-hand gatepost of the driveway to Becket House - the house nearest to the church in the Appledore direction. Please remember to lock the church and return the key after your visit.
- Contact on day:
- Vyvienne Wade
- Telephone number:
- +447949045292
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Please note a short walk across a field is necessary, along a marked path. Sturdy footwear is advised, especially in poor weather, as surfaces may be slippery. Unfortunately the path is not wheelchair friendly. There are no toilets on-site.
Additional information
For those interested in church history and architecture, there are 14 medieval churches on Romney Marsh including several others close to this location.
