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  • 21 Aug, 2019

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Faversham Parish Church
St Mary of Charity, Faversham Parish Church is the Church of England parish church of the town of Faversham in Kent, England. The church spire dominates the town's skyline and is visible from some distance.

History and description

The church is all that remains of a previously much larger religious community around Faversham Abbey which was established in 1147 by King Stephen and dissolved by Henry VIII.

Although the church itself was founded in the medieval era, the flying spire, known as a crown or corona spire, by which it is recognised dates to the 18th century - a period of prosperity for the town of Faversham. The church itself is much larger than might be expected and is reputed to be the second largest in Kent, after All Saints Church, Maidstone. This gives the church a distinctive acoustic and, unusually among parish churches, makes it large enough to hold a symphony orchestra for concerts. The interior was restored and transformed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, known for his St Pancras Station, the Foreign Office and many college and cathedral buildings, in 1874.

The painted pillar - a rare medieval survivor

Notable features of the church include the reputed tomb of King Stephen (the church is thus one of only a few churches outside London where an English king was interred), nationally important misericords in the Quire, a rare medieval painted pillar and a recently installed altar dedicated to Saints Crispin and Crispinian.

Its clock was built by James William Benson.

In 1950 it was listed Grade I by English Heritage.

Music

The church supports a strong choral tradition with a choir of adults and children who sing Anglican Matins, Evensong and Communion. The current Director of Music is Ben Saul. The choir is affiliated with the RSCM and currently has three singers who hold the highest RSCM award, the Gold Award.

References

  1. ^ Ross, David. "Faversham, St Mary of Charity Church | Historic Kent Guide". Britain Express. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  2. ^ James, H. A. (1990). Faversham Parish Church : a history and guide. Faversham Society. ISBN 0-900532-55-6. OCLC 24795985.
  3. ^ Phillips, Frederick Wallace (c. 1957). A guide to Faversham Parish Church ... British Pub. Co. OCLC 24475161.
  4. ^ Antiquary (1 October 1918). "Faversham Church". The Musical Times. 59 (908): 454. doi:10.2307/909788. ISSN 0027-4666. JSTOR 909788.
  5. ^ The Parish Church of St Mary of Charity, Faversham : Built to InSpire. OCLC 64451704.
  6. ^ Barnes, Joanna (c. 2007). The hassocks. Faversham Parish Church. Faversham: Parish Church of St Mary of Charity. ISBN 978-0-9555041-3-6. OCLC 269432347.
  7. ^ Agati, Luke (2002). William Flackton (1709-1798) : organist at Faversham Parish Church, 1735-1752; the life and times of a Canterbury musician. Faversham: Faversham Society. ISBN 1-900214-28-8. OCLC 49983781.
  8. ^ Historic England. "The Parish Church of St Mary of Charity (1319973)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  • James, H.A. Faversham Parish Church, 1990:p. 1 (f. before 1070) p. 69 (Faversham Church)
  • The misericords, c2004:t.p. (The Parish Church of St. Mary of Charity, Faversham)
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