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All Saints

All Saints

Brenchley

Kent

Some evidence of pre C13 masonry

Architectural Features

nave, aisles and probably tower all C13

C14 porch and nave roof

C15 alterations.

Judging from a circa 1830s sketch there was little or no medieval tracery in the church at that date and dormer windows in the south side presumably lit a gallery.

5-light 1849 Decorated east window with a hoodmould and carved label stops

2-light 1849 Decorated windows, one to each return, also with hoodmoulds and carved label stops.

Probably late C12/early C13 chamfered west lancet window.

2-light cusped C14 Decorated west window

Very deep gabled C14 north porch with a wide moulded doorway with a depressed 3-centred arch and carved label stops.

C12 or C13 corbels are re-used as kneelers and set into the gable of the porch.

The west face has a moulded C14 west doorway with a hoodmould and carved label stops, the windows above match those on the north face.

Circa early C14 double-chamfered chancel arch springing from C19 engaged shafts with moulded capitals.

The 2 easternmost ties preserve a scheme of painted decoration, probably dating from the C19 but perhaps a restoration of a medieval scheme, which may survive in parts.

The bay between the 2 eastern ties has a ceilure of panels of painted boards between moulded ribs with carved bosses.

The centre truss has large carved angel brackets.

The lean-to aisle roofs have probably medieval closely-spaced rafters.

The chancel has a 1920s timber reredos and 2 C13 sedilia in the south wall with blind arcading.

1920s marble floor and communion rail, the latter in a C17 style.

The nave has a C19 stone drum pulpit on an octagonal stem.

It is elaborately carved in a Decorated style with ogee-arched crocketted recesses to each face with blind tracery, the recesses cusped and carved with heads and foliage.

Plain octagonal font, possibly late medieval.

Monuments and Stained Glass: The chancel has an alabaster wall monument to John Courthop, died 1649, with armorial bearings and a pediment.

Immediately south of the reredos a wall monument to Elizabeth Fane, died 1596 , of Brenchley Manor (q.v.).

On the north transept well wall a very fine mid C17 wall monument by Edward Marshall (Church Guide) of alabaster and marble to Walter Roberts, died 1652.

Below a swan-necked pediment with armorial bearings carved demi-figures in a strapwork frame touching hands.

The Church Guide notes floor brasses not seen on survey.