St Mary Magdalene, Cowden
| Church of St Mary Magdalene | |
|---|---|
The Church of St Mary Magdalene, Cowden | |
Church of St Mary Magdalene | |
| 51°08′41″N 0°05′41″E / 51.1447°N 0.0948°E | |
| Location | Cowden, Kent, England |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Administration | |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Diocese | Rochester |
| Archdeaconry | Tonbridge |
| Deanery | Sevenoaks |
| Parish | Cowden |
| Clergy | |
| Vicar(s) | Rev. Dr. Mandy Carr |
The Church of St Mary Magdalene is a parish church in the village of Cowden, in the district of Sevenoaks, Kent, England.[1]It is part of the Church of England and falls within the Diocese of Rochester. Although historically associated with Sussex, Cowden lies on the Kent–Sussex border and is officially in Kent.[2][3][4]
History
Norman Origins
The church has its origins in the Norman period, with the earliest parts of the building dating to the 13th century.[5] The church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus who is traditionally associated with penitence and devotion.[6][7]
The Church of St Mary Magdalene is constructed from local sandstone and features a traditional nave and chancel layout, with a distinctive wooden shingled spire. The west tower is capped with a slender broach spire, a typical feature of medieval parish churches in this part of the country. The church retains many of its medieval features, including a 14th-century font and fragments of original stained glass.[8][9]
The interior of the church features timber beams, a carved wooden pulpit, and memorials to local families. There are several interesting brass and stone monuments, some dating back to the 16th century.
17th Century
The church contains a notable carved timber pulpit, dating to 1628, which includes a polygonal drum with rusticated panelling. The pulpit retains its back plate and a hexagonal sounding board with a substantial finial. [5][10]
19th century
The church has undergone various restorations over the centuries, most notably in the 19th century when significant Victorian restoration took place. The North aisle was built in 1838 to designs by H Whichord. The North East vestry was added in 1884 to designs by WO Milne. [5][11]
20th Century
The church organ was installed in the early 20th century and restored in the 1990s. [12] The spire was damaged during World War II and was subsequently repaired. There were further repairs to the church in the Twentieth Century and early Twenty First Century. [5]
Listing
The church is a Grade II* listed building, recognised for its architectural and historic significance. The listing particularly notes the quality of the timber-framed tower and the retention of medieval fabric.[5][13]
Churchyard
The surrounding churchyard contains several ancient yew trees and a number of historic gravestones. It remains in use for burials and is maintained by the local parish.[14]
Services and Community
The church holds regular Sunday services and plays an active role in the community life of Cowden.[15] It is part of a benefice with nearby parishes and supports a range of events, including musical concerts, seasonal fairs, and village gatherings.[16]
See also
References
- ^ "St Mary Magdalene". achurchnearyou.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ GENUKI. "Genuki: St Mary Magdalene, Cowden, Church of England, Kent". genuki.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Cowden Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, Church Street, England TN8 7NE, GB - MapQuest". mapquest.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "St Mary Magdalene Church, Cowden Church in Cowden, EN". All U.K. Churches on UK-Churches.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ a b c d e St Mary Magdalene, Cowden at Historic England Retrieved 4 May 2025
- ^ "Cowden St Mary Magdalene". Parish Giving Scheme. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Cowden: St Mary Magdalene - CHR Church". facultyonline.churchofengland.org. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "St Mary Magdalene's Church, Cowden, Kent". kentchurches.info. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Geograph:: St Mary Magdalene Church, Cowden © N Chadwick cc-by-sa/2.0". geograph.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Love's Guide to the Church Bells of Kent". kent.lovesguide.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Cowden – St.Mary Magdalene Church, Kent". Returned from the Front. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Remembrance Window St. Mary Magdalene's Church". tracesofwar.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "St Mary Magdalene, Cowden, Kent. Drawing by Michael Horner". Saatchi Art. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Surname list for St Mary Magdalene, Cowden, Kent, England grave monument photos held within Gravestone Photographic Resource (GPR)". gravestonephotos.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Piper, John. "Photograph of St Mary Magdalene Church in Cowden, Kent, [c.1930s–1980s]". Tate. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "St Mary Magdalene, Cowden Churches in Kent | Guides for Brides". guidesforbrides.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
External links
- Church of St Mary Magdalene on A Church Near You Retrieved 4 May 2025
- St Mary Magdalene, Cowden at Historic England Retrieved 4 May 2025
- St Mary Magdalene, Cowden, Official parish website Retrieved 4 May 2025