Guess the Place

[John Walker]

If you are correct MartinR, then it's not the church I thought it was.  I've passed Stodmarsh church many times but never ventured inside.  Must do that one day.

[MartinR]

Stodmarsh, St Mary's Church.  The photo shows a west end door but this is no longer used and not mentioned in some write-ups.  It is however visible from GSV.  The rather more prominent south door and porch can confuse searchers!   The church is originally Saxon, but with a late Norman rebuild of the nave and a 13C addition of a chancel.  See the official listing for this grade I building.¹  There was an excellent write up by Tim Tatton-Brown in 1996 which is well worth a read.²  There is an external drone fly-around on YouTube embedded into a description at Churches of England.³  The fly-around doesn't include a clear view of the west end however.

The two bells are swung-chimed, not rung full circle.  The ropes are visible in the original photo.  The tenor (deepest note) is particularly interesting being one of the oldest bells in the country, estimated casting date of 1280.  The treble is still venerable, it was cast in 1550.  The bells are about 3 cwt each.  Details, including an indecipherable inscription on the medieval bell, are given in http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=336

Location information:

• Nat Grid:                    TR 22024 60578
• Nearest Post Code:   CT3 4BD
• Co-ords (WGS84):     51°18'04"N,001°11'01"E or 51.30101,1.18363

¹https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1085456?section=official-list-entry
²https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/01/03/STD.htm
³https://churchesofengland.com/st-marys-church-in-stodmarsh-kent/

[CAT]

Rural village south of the A28 MartinR, but not too far south of it.

[MartinR]

Staying on the A28 or else either N or S of it?

[CAT]

Not Canterbury directly MartinR, but head northeast(ish)

[MartinR]

Well I've been through all the 2 bell churches that have and entry in Dove's and couldn't find it.  Looking at those who know I'll start the ball rolling with Canterbury?

[grandarog]

I recognised it so will pass on it. Try and encourage some new blood.

[John Walker]

I'll have to miss this one as I know it - wouldn't be a 'guess' in the spirit of GTP.
I visited here while researching my family tree.  There's a cottage close by with the family name (that's not a clue).

[CAT]

Many thanks Stewie, its funny how images just stick in your mind. This was one of them, having walked past it myself about 8years ago. A very pleasant circular walk with a good tea room at the end.

Thanks also to you MartinR for the find spot and the added info.

Where would you find this fine 'set of legs'?

[MartinR]

Alternatively: 51.027639, 0.789722 or TQ 95723 29066.  It forms part of the  "920m length of the Royal Military Canal from Reading Sewer to Appledore Bridge" and is specifically mentioned in the listing; see https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1005123?section=official-list-entry

[Stewie]

Yes, well done CAT, it was indeed in Appledore and designed to defend against an invading force crossing the Royal Military Canal. The Pill Box is sited at 51°01'39.5"N 0°47'23.0"E and is visible on GSV.
From here, our walk took us along the Military Canal before striking across fields to Stone in Oxley village and back to Appledore where we enjoyed a well earned tea and cake in the Tea Shop in Appledore village.
Over to you CAT

[CAT]

Maybe as far west as Appledore, where there is a very pleasant tea shop ?

[CAT]

Royal Military Canal near Hythe?

[Stewie]

Head in a westerly direction from there MartinR, the pill box (and the gun emplacement it stands on), was provided to impede the crossing of a stretch of water. 

[MartinR]

Dover?