St Nicholas Church, New Romney
St. Nicholas Church was begun by Bishop Odo, half-brother of William the Conqueror, in 1086. But most of it dates from the early 12th century.
Constructed of Caen stone by masons from Normandy, the church consisted originally of a nave with clerestory and low-pitched side aisles.
It is quite hard to imagine today since the coast is now a couple miles away, but at that time the church stood at the head of the harbour and ships were moored at the edge of the churchyard. There are still some boat rings in the walls of the church.
In 1287, the great South Coast storm filled the port with four feet of sand and shingle and changed to course of the River Rother west to Rye. New Romney town was covered in a layer of sand and gravel more than three feet deep and went into decline.
But the church survived it all [though east end of the church needed rebuilding],and still bears witness to the disaster through its below-ground entrance and stained pillars.
In the photo you can see steps are required to get down to the door.
The church is the only building in the town pre-dating the flood.
St Nicholas Church, New Romney
St. Nicholas Church was begun by Bishop Odo, half-brother of William the Conqueror, in 1086. But most of it dates from the early 12th century.
Constructed of Caen stone by masons from Normandy, the church consisted originally of a nave with clerestory and low-pitched side aisles.
It is quite hard to imagine today since the coast is now a couple miles away, but at that time the church stood at the head of the harbour and ships were moored at the edge of the churchyard. There are still some boat rings in the walls of the church.
In 1287, the great South Coast storm filled the port with four feet of sand and shingle and changed to course of the River Rother west to Rye. New Romney town was covered in a layer of sand and gravel more than three feet deep and went into decline.
But the church survived it all [though east end of the church needed rebuilding],and still bears witness to the disaster through its below-ground entrance and stained pillars.
In the photo you can see steps are required to get down to the door.
The church is the only building in the town pre-dating the flood.