Guess the Place

[MartinR]

That's where I was looking Beachbum.  It is described by Hasted as having: "there was a chantry on the north side, now pulled down, with a transept, all covered with tile ... and on the north side, probably where the old chantry above-mentioned was, is a circular mausoleum, with a cupola at top, built by the Colebrooke family for their use".¹  However I could only find one castle in the village.

The church is located at:

• Nat Grid:     TR 06889 53653
• Post Code:  CT4 8BY
• WGS84:      51°14'40"N, 0°57'46"E or 51.2445,0.96282

Additional information:

• The official listing is at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1071308?section=official-list-entry
• Kent Archaeological Society did a report, published at: https://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/01/03/CHH.htm
• There is a Friends of St Mary's Chilham website at: https://www.friendsofstmaryschilham.org/ It includes a nice "potted history", and also a ground plan of the current buildings.
• Information about the bells at: https://dove.cccbr.org.uk/detail.php?tower=12618 and http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=43

¹ Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. Vol. VII. Canterbury, 1800. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-kent/vol7/pp263-292 

[Beachbum]

The circular mausoleum topped with a cupola built by the Colebrooke family for their use.

[Beachbum]

St. Mary's Church at Chilham?

[CAT]

It might be on the site of a previous chantry chapel MartinR, but this circular building wasn't one as such, though burials were installed within. There was also another rectangular chapel on the southern side of this church's chancel also, which was subsequently remodelled into a typical chapel. The nature of this circular structure has its origins back in the mists of time about 2500 years ago, though this one was built towards the end of the eighteenth century.


The village this church is in is a typical 'manorial' settlement with castle at one end and the church at the opposite end and the site of its housing and market place in between the two. It has been called a 'failed' medieval town in the past, but today is still popular with the visitors.

[John Walker]

Though the circular building was regarded as a statement structure of its time, sadly the building, and its function, lasted for 180 years before being demolished and replaced by a more typical church addition. There was also another structure of similar function on the church's southern side, being commissioned by a notable Kentish family and designed by a very notable architect of his time, this also suffered the same fate as the first building and was remodelled barely 80 years after its construction.

The above with previous clues confirm that I might well be right in my guess.  Like JohnFilmer, I have had quite a few GTPs recently so would like others to take up the reins.

[MartinR]

The circular structure is not a chantry chapel is it?
Edit, should that be on the site of a chantry chapel?

[CAT]

Though the circular building was regarded as a statement structure of its time, sadly the building, and its function, lasted for 180 years before being demolished and replaced by a more typical church addition. There was also another structure of similar function on the church's southern side, being commissioned by a notable Kentish family and designed by a very notable architect of his time, this also suffered the same fate as the first building and was remodelled barely 80 years after its construction.

[CAT]

Further SE(ish) than Faversham.


One of the 'castles' has frequent open days to its gardens, the other 'Castle' is strictly private and separately owned despite being intrinsically linked in history and their locations.

[John Walker]

I think I might have found it as well but can't find any reference to the circular building. It's not a view I'm familiar with.   Like JohnFilmer, I'll hold fire in hopes of new participants.

[johnfilmer]

Another SWAG and I think that I have it, but will hold back as I’ve been too successful lately, time for others to win.

[CAT]

Not a chapter house as you say MartinR, but you are heading in the right direction.


Not Holy Trinity, Sittingbourne DaveTheTrain, you need to head inland to the southeast(ish)


The village if it can be called a village possesses two castles, one of which is hardly known, whilst the other is hardly a castle in the true sense

[DaveTheTrain]

It looks very similar to Holy Trinity, Sittingbourne.
DTT

[MartinR]

Odd.  It looks like a chapter house, but that would imply some sort of monastic institution.  Brick makes it a bit late for that though.  I suppose it could be a Lady Chapel, but they are not normally circular and not normally at the east end.

[CAT]

Not a crematorium John Walker, neither the brick structure or the chimney are linked in function. The chimney being for a small fireplace in the church for the early school.

[John Walker]

I haven't found the church yet, but was the brick structure a crematorium as I see there's a brick chimney attached?