St Mary’s will open its door to this pretty little church that sits on the edge of the North Kent marshes from 12pm – 4pm as part of the National Heritage Open Day, England’s largest festival celebrating our history and culture. This is a free event.

Come and visit St Mary’s which has a long history going back to Roman Times and enjoy the calming atmosphere of the church, its many historical features, and the beautiful surrounding countryside. There will be guided tours at 1pm and 3pm about the history of the church, the graveyard and surrounding site. The tours are free and will take place at 1pm and 3pm. There is no need to book. Please be aware that the tour is walking over uneven grass.

Inside the church, as well as floor plans to help you identify historical features of interest, there will be a photographic display of the church and marshes. And while you’re there, why not take a look at the Memory Board which is part of an ongoing project looking at the memories people have of St Mary’s and the local area. If you yourself have connections/memories of the church we would love to hear them. Cards and pens to write them down will be available by the memory board.

And of course this is a church the novelist Charles Dickens used to use, he lived and died at Gads Hill on the A226 at the other end of the village. His daughter was married in the church, and the surrounding countryside inspired the novels he wrote while living at Gads Hill.

So, plenty to see and read about and there will of course be delicious tea and cakes to buy, cash only no cards etc.

Ride and Stride participants are welcome to visit the church/ join one of the tours.

Please note that parking for this event is limited so we would suggest car sharing or walking where possible.