Rector: Revd Sandra Marsh revsandramarsh@btinternet.com Tel 01233 713996
Charing with Little Chart
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Charing
Charing Church stands at the heart of the village in the Market Place. The earliest parts of the church are the chancel and the nave built of flint in the 13th century. The transepts were added in the early 14th century, followed shortly by the vestry. The original timber tower was replaced in the 15th century by the stone tower seen today and was paid for over many years by the parishioners. On Tuesday 4th August 1590 a disastrous fire destroyed the church roof and much of the interior, including the decorative rood screen. A new screen and rood was erected as a memorial to the fallen in the 1914 – 18 war. Repair and restoration work has been carried out on the church over the centuries, the result of which is this beautiful church.
Adjacent to the church is the Archbishop’s Palace. This large estate was given to the church of Canterbury in the 8th Century and remained the property of the Archbishops of Canterbury until the Reformation when the Manor passed into the hands of Henry VIII. Archbishop Dunstan (10th Century) and Archbishop Thomas Beckett (12th Century) among others were said to be fond of Charing. In 1520, Henry VIII is known to have stopped at Charing on his way to meet King Francis I for the Field of the Cloth of Gold. The 500th anniversary of this meeting will be celebrated in Charing in June 2020.
Services in Charing
1st Sunday 0930 Common Worship Eucharist.
2nd Sunday 0930 BCP said Communion
3rd Sunday 0930 Common Worship Eucharist
4th Sunday 0930 Informal Service
On 5th Sundays the whole benefice comes together for a Family Communion Service. Please see the calendar for details of venue.
Cream teas
Throughout the summer (End of June to early October) Charing’s popular Cream teas are served every Sunday 1430 – 1700.
Annual Village Fête
Charing Fête, held in June every year on Clewards Meadow, brings together all the different part of the village community for a day of celebration and fun.
Charing Church of England Primary School.
The church has excellent links with the village primary School. Click here for School website
For further details please contact Rev Jack Bateson
