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St Peter & St Paul
NEWCHURCH
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This large church is famous for its bent tower. The first two stages of the tower, built in 15th century, began to lean alarmingly, and were buttressed to prevent the tower collapsing. Many years later, the final stage was added in an upright position, giving the tower its characteristic bent shape.
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Inside is a fine Jacobean pulpit, the oldest on the Marsh. The magnificent font bears the emblems of St Peter and St Paul together with the roses of York and Lancaster and the Tudor rose, suggesting that it was made soon after the Wars of the Roses during the reign of the first Tudor king, Henry VII.
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In WWII there were four Advanced Landing Grounds built on Romney Marsh as well as others across the South East, but Newchurch was to become one of the most successful and busiest of all.
They were temporary airfields built for a possible invasion of occupied France. There is a memorial site overlooking the site of the Advanced Landing Ground at the end of the village over a small footbridge.
Access
The Church is open 9.30 – 5.00. Churchwardens Mr Michael Barclay, 01303 872376, and Mrs Chris Clark, 07740 395497. Further information about the local church community may be found on the website of the Romney Marsh Benefice.
Postcode: TN29 0DP
In the 14th century porch, which covers the north door, there is a holy water stoup.
The windows have good examples of decorated tracery.
The original small church was enlarged in the 14th century. Its great size (40 metres long), reflected the wealth of its patron – the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Like many villages on the Marsh, smuggling was at the heart of Newchurch life from the 16th century, reaching a climax in the 18th century.
The Kentish ragstone tower was commenced in 1410, but began to subside. It was heavily buttressed and the belfry was added in an upright position, giving it a leaning shape.
Newchurch is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, so it is likely that there was an earlier Saxon church on this site.
The Jacobean pulpit is the oldest on the Marsh.
The font bears the emblems of St Peter and St Paul together with the roses of York and Lancaster and the Tudor rose, suggesting it dates to the period of peace under Henry VII.
The choir stalls have ends carved with images of winged bishops holding shields depicting the keys of St Peter and the sword of St Paul.
Find out more
Discover more about St Peter & St Paul’s Church at Newchurch 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
