Church of the Holy Innocents', Adisham

Adisham lies about 6 miles SE of Canterbury. It is still a largely rural, agricultural community with beautiful hedgerows, ancient woodlands and rolling fields. The village contains a primary school, train station, recreation ground and village hall as well as the Grade I listed church, but there are no shops or pubs left.

The manor of Adisham was given in the year 616 by Eadbald, son of King Ethelbert, to the monks of Christ Church Priory in Canterbury. After the Norman conquest, the Domesday Book of 1080 shows that the manor belonged to the Archbishop of Canterbury. When the Priory was closed by King Henry VIII, he gave Adisham Manor to the newly-created Dean and Chapter of Canterbury; ownership continues to this day.

Other notable features include a Norman font, medieval floor tiles in the Chancel and some medieval stained glass. The church was restored in 1869-70 by William White. Recently, a kitchen, toilets and wooden flooring was installed to revitalise the church as a community facility. The Victorian pews were removed, but some medieval quire stalls remain.

Visitors will be able to explore the church in their own time and will also be able to speak to hosts who can provide further information about the history of the church. There will also be a display with information about the church and notable people linked to the parish.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1000-1700

Location & directions

Church of the Holy Innocents', Church Lane, Adisham, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 3JH

Directions:

There is NO parking in Church Lane, which is a dead end. Do not turn into Church Lane as there is no place to turn around. Please park considerately in the village, but take care not to block access or footpaths.

Contact on day:

Chloe Ewen

Telephone number:

+447730712466

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The church is situated at the top of a slope (a tarmac path is in place) and wheelchair users may require assistance. There is a ramp to enter and exit the church, and a level wooden floor inside.

Additional information

John Vigar describes the church as:'A stately cruciform church that enjoyed wealthy patronage throughout the medieval period. In this case the monks of Christ Church Canterbury held the advowson. The outside walls show very definite evidence of 'building lifts', especially notable in the south transept.' (https://www.kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=adisham)

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