DOVER DISTRICT

Religious Buildings & Areas

Some ghost members are said to be haunting the halls of ancient religious buildings and graveyards with their stories to tell, whether it is residual energy or Spirit.
Here is what has been found so far in the Dover District...

Trespassing remains to be considered for those seeking to visit a cemetery at night.
Private graveyards​ are off-limits unless you have the owners' permission. However, even cemeteries that are open to the public have guidelines that visitors ought to follow.​
From listing their visiting hours online and in their offices to physically closing their gates, most cemeteries make it clear when visitors are welcome and when they aren't. In other words, it should be easy to tell when you're trespassing, even on so-called "public" burial sites. (And, it bears mentioning, if you find yourself hopping a fence or wondering whether what you're doing counts as trespassing, there's a good chance it does.) Either contact the cemetery's owner or caretaker to discuss visiting at night.

​

​CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR THE BUSINESS WEBSITE

​

If you find any missing information, hear of any reports of Paranormal Activity, have a story to share about any of the listed places that aren't reported here, or know of any that are not mentioned, please get in touch. Thank you.

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH
CHURCH HALL, CHURCH STREET, EASTRY, SANDWICH CT13

The Saxon kings established a Royal Hall on the site North of the Church, an area currently occupied by Eastry Court. This hall is historically significant as it is reputed to have been the site of the tragic murder of two young princes, Etheldred and Ethelbert, in the year 665. Archaeological findings suggest two Saxon burial sites within the village that date back to this tumultuous period, offering insights into the lives and customs of early medieval England.
Eastry served as a residence for a Royal Palace belonging to the Kings of Kent as early as 660 AD, marking it as a significant centre of royal authority in that era. However, the origins of Christian worship at this particular site remain clouded in mystery, with no concrete historical records to shed light on the early practices.
In 979 AD, a notable property transfer occurred when King Edward I handed over the Palace and Manor in Eastry to Archbishop Dunstan. This, in turn, linked the site to the Priory of Christ Church in Canterbury and ensured its ongoing religious significance.
During the late 11th or early 12th century, the Normans constructed a new church that would eventually alter the architectural landscape of Eastry. From the 12th century onward, this Church became part of the Almonry of the Prior and Convent at Canterbury, serving as a vital component of the monastic community. In the early 13th century, the monks of Christ Church Abbey in Canterbury lavishly rebuilt the Church in the early English architectural style, resulting in a structure characterized by its pointed arches and intricate stonework, reflecting the aesthetic values of that time.
Adjacent to the Church is the former Tithe Barn, which underwent significant reconstruction in 1832 and is now known as Aumbry Cottages. Similarly, the Parsonage Farm, rebuilt in 1825, is also called the Aumbry. These structures serve as reminders of the area's agricultural heritage and historical development.
Today, the Church remains a vibrant hub for the Christian community, hosting regular services and events that foster spiritual growth and community engagement.
**HAUNTINGS**
Among the intriguing folklore associated with the Church, a famous photograph captured in 1956 shows what appears to be the ghostly apparition of a monk-like figure, believed to be a clergyman from the Church's storied past. This captivating image has drawn the attention of paranormal enthusiasts. It can be found on page 40 of Janet and Colin Bord's "Modern Mysteries of Britain," contributing to Eastry's reputation as a site of historical intrigue and spectral sightings.