St Mary The Virgin

EXTERIOR: The church is built in the style of 13th century Early English architecture whence the single lancet windows that predominate in the fenestration, and the two-light Geometrical windows which light the east bay of the nave.

The south doorway is a 13th century one reused from the ancient church at Reculver and has a multi-moulded arch and keeled nook-shafts with simple foliage capitals.

PRINCIPAL FIXTURES: The plain octagonal medieval font is said to have come from the lost chapel of All saints in Thanet.

Some 17th century memorial slabs from the old church are set into the floor.

There is stained glass in a number of windows dating from the early 20th century.

HISTORY: In one of the great tragedies of English architectural history the ancient, Saxon church at Reculver, much of it dating from the 7th century, was mostly demolished in 1809 in the belief that it was at imminent risk from the encroaching sea (but shortly afterwards it was safeguarded by the addition of sea defences).

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: The church of St Mary, Reculver is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: * It is of special interest as a Gothic Revival church in the Early English style dating from the 1870s by a well-known church architect. * It retains some stonework brought from the largely demolished medieval church at Reculver and a medieval font resited from elsewhere.