Aerial views and the history of Holy Cross Church in Goodnestone, Kent.
Nestled in the heart of Kent, the village of Goodnestone is graced by a remarkable village church – a sanctuary where history, architecture, and spirituality harmoniously converge. This is the story of Goodnestone Church, a testament to time’s passage and the enduring artistry of the Gothic Revival.
The Old and the New
Goodnestone Church, a structure of impressive proportions, presents a satisfying blend of old and new. Its ancient foundations consist of the north aisle, a relic from the fourteenth century, and a tower that proudly reaches back to the fifteenth century. However, the church’s transformation occurred in 1839 when architects Rickman and Hussey undertook a project of expansion. The result was a rebuilt nave and chancel that seamlessly melded with the existing structure.
The Architects of Revival
Rickman and Hussey, pioneers of the nineteenth-century Gothic Revival, left an indelible mark on Goodnestone Church. Their vision transformed the exterior into a mosaic of knapped flints adorned with elegant stone dressings. Inside, their design created a space that is both luminous and dignified, with particular attention lavished upon the chancel.
A Monument to Sir Brook Bridges
In the north aisle of the church, a monument by the sculptor Thomas Scheemakers pays homage to Sir Brook Bridges, the visionary behind Goodnestone Park, a majestic estate whose gardens embrace the churchyard. This monument stands not only as a tribute to a notable figure in Kent’s history but also as a testament to the enduring connection between the church and its surroundings.
Windows of Time
Goodnestone Church harbors treasures within its walls. While small pieces of medieval glass whisper secrets of the past, it’s a particular window that captivates visitors. At the east end of the north aisle, a window dated and signed “E.S. 1899” unfolds the compelling tale of St. Gregory and the Slave Boys, an artistic masterpiece that infuses the church with vivid narratives of faith.
Goodnestone Church in Kent is more than a place of worship; it’s a living canvas where the strokes of history, the vision of revival, and the tapestry of artistry come together. As we walk through its doors, we step into the embrace of time itself—a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the beauty of architectural evolution. Goodnestone Church is a treasure waiting to be explored, a sanctuary where the past whispers its stories, and the present finds solace.
Photos of Holy Cross in Goodnestone.
