Weight: 728 lbs Diameter: 33.44" Bell 1 of 3
Founded by Robert Burford
Dove Bell ID: 1328 Tower ID: 17524 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Canterbury: St Martin
Diocese of Canterbury
Major Parish Church, 606051
http://www.martinpaul.orgOverview
Grid reference: TR 158 577
St Martin's, Canterbury, is part of the Canterbury world heritage site and is the oldest church in England still being used for its original purpose. It was founded in approximately AD597 and originally functioned as the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent. Queen Bertha was a Christian married to the pagan King Ethelbert. She is said to have prayed for the missionaries being sent from Rome, including Augustine, who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. It was here that St Augustine set up his mission when he arrived from Rome in AD597 to convert the English. Much of the building seen today is later additions, although you can see Toman brick in the nave wall. The remains of a Roman tomb have also been incorporated into the building.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
The church is open daily for worship and is free to visitors 11am-3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Live music/concerts. Regular choir. Guided tours and guidebooks/notes available.
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 235 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The oldest part of St Martin's Church was built during the Roman occupation of Britain, however it is uncertain whether the early building was a church. mausoleum, or something else.
When Bertha, a Christian princess from France, married the pagan Anglo-Saxon, Ethelbert of Kent, he restored St Martin's for her to use as a private chapel. Ethelbert later became king of Kent and 'over-king' of all the kingdoms northwards to the River Humber (200 miles to the north).
When St Augustine arrived in Britain in AD597, St Martin's became the first base for his mission. Augustine's impact in spreading the message of Jesus meant that more space was required. St Martin's was extended to nearly its present size, using Roman building methods and reusing some Roman bricks. The nave was the first Anglo Saxon structure made of mortared brick and stone, instead of wood.
The east end of St Martin's church was extended in the 12th-13th centuries and was subsequently substantially altered in the 19th century.
The church tower was added in the 14th century. It has three bells, the largest of which was made in 1393.
Interior
Bells
Weight: 256 lbs Diameter: 24.69" Bell 2 of 3
Founded by (unidentified)
Dove Bell ID: 48195 Tower ID: 17524 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 474 lbs Diameter: 29.13" Bell 3 of 3
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1829
Dove Bell ID: 48196 Tower ID: 17524 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: TR 158 577
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is 25/10/1977
The churchyard has war graves.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
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