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St Peter & St Paul
DYMCHURCH
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St Peter and St Paul, Dymchurch was built in the mid-12th century. The original carved Norman south doorway, west doorway and magnificent chancel arch are still in place. The medieval church remained unchanged until 1821 when the building was enlarged to the north to accommodate the growing congregation of the town. A gallery was also built at this time in order to provide more space.
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Outside two medieval scratch dials can still be found, one inside the porch and one on the south wall of the nave. In 2005 and 2010 some beautiful stained glass windows were added to the church.
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Dymchurch is rich in history and there is plenty to see and do. The Dymchurch Heritage Trail is a good way to find out about the village’s past. Highlights include the beach, the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and Martello Tower No 24. There are also several pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Access
Open 10am to 3pm Mon-Fri all year and following Sunday morning services until 3pm.
The church can be opened on Saturdays by prior arrangement with the Churchwarden Ian Clark dymchurchchurchwarden@gmail.com.
Further information about the local church community may be found on the website of the Romney Marsh Benefice.
Postcode: TN29 0LD
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(What3Words is a service which identifies precise locations. The service has given every 3m square a unique three word combination)
There has been a settlement at Dymchurch since Roman times.
A medieval scratch dial is carved on the south wall, behind a ruined monument.
Dymchurch is one of only two marsh churches with a gallery. The other is at Old Romney.
The Domesday Book of 1086 records a church at Dymchurch but nothing remains of that original Anglo-Saxon building.
Inside the tower are three bells made by Christopher Hodson and placed in the belfry in 1685.
By the pulpit are two 13th century recesses. These were previously blocked up, probably during the Reformation.
The current font is probably 13th century, with horizontal dressing added in the 15th century. It would have once stood by the door.
Inside the porch is the original Norman south doorway, with typical roll and zigzag mouldings. A medieval scratch dial can also be seen.
The church was originally built on a naturally occurring clay knoll, to raise the building above the levels of winter flooding.
The large churchyard has many interesting weathered gravestones. It is also now a haven for wildlife.
When the church was first built it would have been much smaller than it is today. Relative to others on the Marsh, Dymchurch was an impoverished parish.
In the windows of the chancel are the seal of the Lords, Bailiff, Jurats and Commonality of Romney Marsh.
The seal of the Lords, Bailiff, Jurats and Commonality of Romney Marsh can be found in the chancel windows.
A stained glass window in the nave was made in 2005 by David Griffiths in memory of Tom Miller, who was church warden for 20 years until 1979.
A 1778 Royal Coat of Arms of King George III can be found opposite the south door.
Find out more
Discover more about St Peter & St Paul’s Church at Dymchurch 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
