What to do and see in Staplehurst, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks

Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom

If you into history, both ancient and fairly modern, and interesting architectural buildings, then this is the place for you; a "must see" visit. Construction of the west tower of the "Church on the hill" started sometime in the years from 1400 to 1425. The tower's clock was made in 1888. Inside this very pleasant, airy church the nave and aisle are separated by a 12th century and early 13th century arcade, which leans a bit. However, there is nothing to worry about because the bases of the pillars are level. The east window is Victorian and is a memorial to Henry Hoare (of the banking family) and Lady Mary, his wife. It was given by their 12 children. The 15th century Chaple (once known as the Spilsill Chapel, belonging to the family of that name) was redecorated after the First World War and renamed St George's Chapel. It then became Staplehurst's War Memorial. The church's original font (carved from a single block of Kentish ragstone) was replaced in 1815. Local legend has it that, after it had been replaced, the font was used as a feeding trough on a local farm but was returned to the church after being identified by a blind woman. The church's most important historical feature is its south door. This has been dated to 1050 and, as a result, its ironwork is some of the oldest ironwork in England still in place. What is more unusual, however, is that in 1050 there area where the church now stands was desolate. The ironwork tells the story of Rasgnorok, the Norse Day of Judgement. There is a Commonwealth War Grave in the churchyard. This, again, is slightly unusual is that it is a Second World War grave. It is the grave of Flight Lieutenant F W Rushmer, a pilot of the Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force) who died on 5 September 1940. On 5 September 1940 F W Rushmer failed to return from combat over Biggin Hill and his Spitfire could have been the one that crashed in fairly nearby Smarden. The pilot from this aircraft was buried in the churchyard of the church as "unknown" on 11 September 1940. It was not until the 1990s that this "unknown" body was authenticated as that of Flight Lieutenant Rushmer and, in May 1998, a named headstone was placed on the grave and a service of dedication held in September 1998.