All Saints Church, Hollingbourne

All Saints Church stands in the village of Hollingbourne in Kent. Built in the 14th century, it is a Grade I listed building made of flint and ashlar stone with plain tiled roofs. The church was altered and extended over the centuries, with major restorations in the 19th century by George Gilbert Scott, Jr. Its west tower has three stages, a battlemented parapet and gargoyles. The nave is flanked by north and south aisles, and the chancel has a chapel and vestry. The church is worth visiting for its historic monuments and memorials to the Culpeper family, who once owned Leeds Castle and Hollingbourne Manor. Among the notable figures commemorated are Francis and Johanna Culpeper, three Barons Colepeper, and the embroidery known as the Culpeper needlework. Several memorials were created by the sculptor John Michael Rysbrack. The churchyard also contains Grade II listed table tombs from the 17th to 19th centuries. Inside, the nave is separated from the aisles by 14th-century arcades with pointed arches and octagonal columns. The chapel is reached by steps from the north aisle and sits above a vault. The nave has a crown post roof, while the chancel roof is simpler. The 17th-century hexagonal pulpit and octagonal font add to the church’s historic character. The Culpeper needlework, now believed to be a funeral pall, is displayed in the vestry.