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St Nicholas
NEW ROMNEY
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Built in the mid 12th century under the patronage of the archbishops of Canterbury, the nave retains its original low Norman arcades with alternating round and octagonal Caen stone piers. By contrast, the grand 14th century east end is spacious and light with tall, slim piers of Kentish rag stone and three magnificent reticulated tracery windows.
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The carved door surround of the Norman west door was restored in 2013 to reveal the beauty of the golden Caen stone. Other features of interest include the tower, which was built in stages, and the tomb of Richard Stuppenye, a jurat of New Romney who died in 1526. There are many beautiful stained glass windows and numerous memorial stones.
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New Romney is the main centre of population on the Romney Marsh with a population of about 7,000. It is regarded by many as the unofficial capital of the Marsh. The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway has a station at the extreme south end of the town, which as
well as being a major tourist attraction is also used by local people. The historic town centre has many interesting and historic
buildings and guided routes for heritage walks are available. Walk around New Romney and you will soon notice the contemporary murals brightening up some of the walls - local scenes include the nearby Martello Towers and the Littlestone Water Tower. There are many wonderful pubs, cafes, restaurants and independent shops in the town. Beaches can be found at nearby Littlestone and Greatstone.
Access
The Church is open 10 – 2 in winter and 10 – 4 in summer. Church Warden Ann Rolfe 01797 362719. Further information about the local church community may be found on the website of the Romney Marsh Benefice.
Postcode: TN28 8EU
The tower at St Nicholas contains both rounded Norman arches and later pointed arches in the Gothic style.
New Romney was once such an important port that it was one of the five founding Cinque Ports.
It is believed that Bishop Odo, half-brother of William the Conqueror, established a church at New Romney following the Norman Conquest.
The church has a richly moulded Norman west doorway.
Standing inside the tower it is still possible to see part of the west front of the original church.
The bright East end is the newer part of the church.
In 1287, deposits from a ferocious storm destroyed the port and raised the land level here. The church doorway is now below ground level.
The church has some beautiful examples of stained glass.
Prior to the Reformation, the church would have been richly decorated.
A tiny barred window in the east wall is possibly an opening into an anchor hold.
A 14th century tomb recess possibly also functioned as an Easter Sepulchre. The medieval Passion Play at New Romney was famous in the region.
There are many interesting examples of carved stonework.
The oak tower screen at St Nicholas' was built in 1662 to keep out draughts. The nave would have once had high box pews.
Find out more
Discover more about St Nicholas’ Church at New Romney 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.
Find out more about New Romney’s unique heritage
The New Romney Obelisk
Funded by Arts Council England & New Romney Town Council, the Trust collaborated in the New Romney community obelisk project, with several workshops hosted in medieval churches on the marsh.
The final heritage-inspired community mosaic is sited close to St. Nicholas’ Church in New Romney and near map boards for the New Romney Heritage Trail.
From the artists behind The Marsh Mosaics project, the mosaic-panelled obelisk depicts scenes inspired by the history and people of New Romney through the ages, celebrating the town’s unique heritage, including its impressive church.
Free mosaics workshops were held at locations in and around New Romney during Summer 2024, including the churches at New Romney and Ivychurch, schools and drop-in centres, and with a range of local organisations such as youth groups, RHD Railway, Romney Marsh Community Hub, South Kent MIND and the Town Council.
The Trust is supporting follow-on craft workshops in the historic churches in collaboration with local primary schools on the Marsh.
The Marsh Mosaics Art Trail - Downloadable Handouts
