Nonnington - historic village

Nonnington is a small village about halfway between Canterbury and Dover. It has been associated with the Kent coal field and is close to Snowdown Colliery, but it is also a village connected with the more traditional Kent industry of agriculture. The history of the area is rich and varied and there are two superb WEB sites connected with it. The first is Nonnington - Historic Village in Kent, and the second is Clive Webb's History Book of Nonnington. Both include information about the historic church.

In addition there is an interesting booklet available in the church "Walk-round Guide to the Church of St Mary the Virgin". Together these publications give a fascinating insight into the history of the area. There has been a church on the site for over 700 years. The beautifully kept grounds and building make it one of the most attractive in the area.

Although the church dates back to Norman times the porch is very obviously Victorian.

On the South-west corner of the church the War Memorial for the Great War of 1914-18 has been incorporated into the buttress. I haven't seen this done anywhere else.

There is a simple square flint and mortar tower. The battlement on the top of the tower had no defensive purpose at all.

Only the cross beams in the wide nave are old. perhaps from the late 1300's.

The large organ dates back to 1906, and is a dominant feature.

This decorative window is comparatively modern. The older windows are plainer and smaller.

There are four large coats of arms above the plaques on the south wall. These are memorials to the Hammond family. On the east wall there are a number of memorial plaques to the Plumtre family. There is a great deal more detail about these in the book and on the WEB site.

The whole village is well worth a visit and I shall return having done more homework before my next visit.