St Mary's Church, Luddenham

St Mary’s Church stands in a farmyard on the edge of Luddenham village, two miles northwest of Faversham in Kent. Built mainly of flint with some reused Roman tiles, the church has a simple plan of nave, chancel and southwest tower. The lower tower dates from the 12th century, while the upper part was rebuilt in brick in 1807. Inside, a Norman west door is carved with zigzags, and the nave windows include 14th- and 19th-century lancets. A 13th-century coffin lid inside the church shows hands holding a heart. The church is Grade I listed and has been cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust since 2002. It was declared redundant in 1972 but remains open every day for visitors. The chancel was added in the 13th century, and the church was restored in the 1880s with a new porch added in 1889. The brick tower carries a battlemented parapet, and the flint walls still show traces of medieval work. Outside, the churchyard contains three Grade II listed monuments. A chest tomb and an early 19th-century monument both have faded inscriptions. Two headstones from 1745 and 1747 are carved with skulls, heads and a Bible within heart-shaped surrounds. The quiet farmyard setting and simple stonework give the place a calm, unspoilt atmosphere.