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St Augustine
BROOKLAND
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St Augustine is famous for its detached wooden bell tower that stands in front of the church. The tower was built in the second half of the 13th century as an open structure and was doubled in height to its present 18m (60ft) and clad with shingles in the 15th century.
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The fine interior of this 13th century church contains the highest box pews on the Marsh and a double decker-pulpit complete with sounding board. A medieval wall painting of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket survives in the southeast chapel, and a Norman lead font is still in use in the nave.
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The Woolpack Inn, dating from 1410, retains many of its original features such as wattle-and-daub walls and a low, beamed ceiling. Its name comes from its popularity with `owlers'- wool smugglers - who used the inn as a base for their lucrative trade.
Access
The Church is usually open 10 – 3.30. Churchwarden Mrs Maureen Akers, 01797 344628. Reverend Shuna Body, 01797 343977. Further information about the local church community may be found on the website of the Romney Marsh Benefice.
Postcode: TN29 9QR
This area of Walland Marsh was reclaimed by the monks of St Augustine's Abbey Canterbury during the 12th century.
The 14th century porch has interesting barge boards and spandrels with quatrefoils.
The marshy ground could not have supported a large tower. A miniature clock tower with tiny battlements was built instead.
Before the belfry was clad with shingles, the bells would have hung in an exposed timber structure.
The separate octagonal wooden belfry is very unusual. It is one of only five in England.
In the 13th century chancel, a medieval piscina and two sedilia are built into the walls.
The church has a grand 18th century pulpit and reading desk, with the remains of the original three decker pulpit above it.
The circular font shows the signs of the Zodiac above the Labours of the Months. It pre-dates the church, to around 1175.
A medieval wall painting was uncovered during repairs in 1964. It depicts the murder of Thomas Becket.
A medieval altar would have stood in the side chapel before the Reformation. The later tomb now here is Jacobean.
Graffiti of a ship carved into a pew.
"O, stop your ringing and let me be-- Let be, O Brookland bells!" The author Rudyard Kiping references Brookland in his poem "Brookland Road".
Find out more
Discover more about St Augustine’s Church at Brookland with our new self-guided tour. Scan the QR code on your mobile device or click the tour button to view online.
Listen online
An audio-only version of the tour is also available to listen to here.
The Marsh Mosaics Art Trail - Downloadable Handouts
RMHCT Funded Project
Restoring tombs in the churchyard
