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St Eanswith
BRENZETT
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St Eanswith is one of the smallest churches on Romney Marsh. It is dedicated to a 7th century princess who founded a nunnery at Folkstone in 630. It is therefore possible that the church has its origins in the 7th century, although nothing remains of a Saxon building, the present church having been commenced in the late twelfth century.
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A grand tomb to John Fagge and his son dominates the Lady Chapel and was the inspiration for E. Nesbit’s ghost story, Man-Size in Marble.
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Brenzett is the home to the Romney Marsh Wartime Collection that as well as exhibiting the remains of various World War II combat aircraft that have been excavated from the surrounding marshland also includes a de Havilland Vampire T.11 and an English Electric Canberra B.2 on display in the museum grounds.
Brenzett was also the site of a Royal Air Force Advanced Landing Ground [ALG] airfield during the Second World War, RAF Brenzett, at one time operating North American Mustang IIIs.
Access
The church is usually kept locked, but it is possible to visit. A key is usually available from Kings Cottage (the house on the left as you enter the pathway to the church from the road). Please return this after use.
If there is no answer, a key may also be obtained from Quince Cottage (down the church path, turn left, and it’s the third house along clearly marked).
The church can be opened for larger parties by arrangement with the churchwarden Rosemary Scotcher - email prscotcher@gmail.com in advance of your visit.
Further information about the local church community may be found on the website of the Romney Marsh Benefice.
Postcode: TN29 0BJ
The church was built on an artificial mound to raise it above winter flood levels.
Brensete is first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is likely an earlier wooden Saxon church existed on this site.
Brenzett is the only church in England solely dedicated to St Eanswith or Eanswythe.
The chancel arch has Norman roll and chevron work in its lower half, dating to the 12th century.
Part of the original 18th century triple decker pulpit is still in position. The hexagonal inlaid sounding board was restored with the support of RMHCT.
The Fagge Monument was the inspiration for E. Nesbit's book Man-size in Marble.
The exposed beams throughout the church are striking.
Rector Thomas Becon lived at Brenzett, a sympathiser of the Reformation. By 1542 his works were proclaimed as "heretical" by the Roman Catholic authorities. He was later committed to the Tower of London by Queen Mary.
Six huge oak beams at ground level support the 15th century oak-shingle spire.
John Fagge was captain of the local militia. Legend has it that one of these men was killed in a fight close to Somner House in the parish.
Members of the Fagge family are buried in a vault beneath a huge tomb in the side chapel.
The chancel has a beautiful stained glass window in memory of Rev. Tatton Brockman who died in 1869.
Find out more
Discover more about St Eanswith’s Church at Brenzett 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
