The church dates from the late 11th century onwards and was restored in 1877 by Ewan Christian. It is built with knapped flint and stone dressings with tiled roofs. There is a west tower, nave with north and south aisles, south porch and chancel with north and south chapels. The tower is from the 13th century with an earlier base. In the 14th century a square timber framed belfry with a short spire was built to form the second stage of the tower. it is heavily buttressed. There are six bells. The nave is continuous with the south wall of the tower, and follows the outline of the original Norman nave. Originally there were no side aisles or chapels and the chancel would have been much shorter. The south aisle dates from the 14th century with earlier origins. It has a 15th century crown post roof. Both aisles are from an early date, possibly before 1200. They were probably added as part of the building programme by Saint Gregory's Priory. The arcades were rebuilt in the 14th century in the Perpendicular style with octagonal piers. The north Chapel was built soon after 1300 and the east window is contemporary with this date. The south Chapel, dedicated to St John the Baptist, is probably a similar date. In the 15th century several wills bequeathed money for repairs. The south Chapel is also known as the Honywood Chapel as there is a monument to Sir Thomas Honywood, died 1622. The style closely resembles the work of Nicholas Stone, although unsigned. There is also a monument to Sir William Honywood, died 1669. Sir William was master of the society of silk merchants and died in his 81st year. His second wife Lady Dorothy Honywood whose monument is nearby died within four months of her husband. There are other dedications to the Honywood's in floor ledgers and monuments. The chancel is Early English and was lengthened in the 13th century replacing the Norman one. The chancel arch was rebuilt in the 14th century. The chancel contains a piscina. The font bowl is from the 12th century made of Purbeck marble and supported on modern shafts. The church was restored in 1877, it was in need of urgent attention and was described as being "in a damp and miserable condition". Box pews were removed, choir stalls were placed in the chancel and the altar platform was extended. The roof of the Honywood Chapel was rebuilt, paid for by the Honywood family. Most of the money for the rest of the repairs was from public subscription.

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Our top choices for Ashford cottages

2 bed Cosy cottage in the village of mersham Ashford nextdoor to pub and shop.

Mersham

"WE had an excellent stay with our two young grandchildren. It was perfectly located as we had visited Chatham historic dockyard and spending the next day at Tenterden heritage railway. So much so the youngest wanted to stay an extra night! The description is spot on, Our host extremely helpful with local knowledge. Highly recommend "

Malcolm T.

includes taxes & fees

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Berisal

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includes taxes & fees

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5 bedroom accommodation in Ashford

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includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

3 bedroom accommodation in Smarden, near Ashford

Smarden, near Ashford

"A wonderful 4 nights spent at Romden farm, couldnt have been bette. It was great, just to open the back door and walk for miles with the dogs, come back chill out and relax in the hot tub in the evenings. At the big pond we enjoyed feeding the fish and watching the barn owl hunt at dusk. The barn was clean, comfortable and the perfect place to get away from everything. The owners made us feel so welcome we will definitley be back in the future."

Louise

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

3 bedroom accommodation in Bilsington, near Ashford

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Cottage, in Mersham village. Ideal for Le shuttle & Ashford Designer Outlet

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The Barn at Fishponds

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includes taxes & fees

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includes taxes & fees

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includes taxes & fees

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Ernest - a holiday let by Bloom Stays that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom

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includes taxes & fees

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Toms Cabin - UK35173

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"Lovely find for last minute! The cottage was just perfect for what we needed and loved the bbq and fire pit for us to do ourselves, very quiet and is so isolated for location, you could hear a pin drop. Lovely hosts also that showed us around, very friendly and book with all local information and contact information if we needed any help also! We will definitely come back for longer in The future! "

Molly W.

includes taxes & fees

15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026

The Cottage at Harple Farm

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includes taxes & fees

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Bonnington Cottage by Bloom Stays - sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms

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2 Bedroom City Centre Cottage set in a Private Courtyard

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includes taxes & fees

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1 bedroom accommodation in Winchelsea Beach, near Rye

Winchelsea Beach, near Rye

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1 bedroom accommodation in Cowbeech, near Hailsham

Cowbeech, near Hailsham

"Cedar Lodge was exactly what we were looking for and we felt at home as soon as we arrived. The accommodation was clean, cosy and very well equipped and the hosts Caroline and Neil were very welcoming. The comments in the visitors book showed that many people have visited here several times and feel itâ€™s the best holiday home they have stayed in. The location is very quiet and the view from the deck is beautiful. I wouldnâ€™t hesitate to stay here again if we are visiting the area."

Carolyn Armstrong

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026