MAIDSTONE 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 Maidstone 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.
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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.
THE OLD RECTORY
CHURCH RD SANDWAY BOUGHTON MALHERBE MAIDSTONE ME17
The historic Old Rectory imbued with heritage and ecclesiastical significance, falls under the Diocese of Canterbury. This extraordinary timber-framed structure, skillfully crafted in the 15th century, highlights the distinctive architectural features of medieval England, such as intricately carved wooden beams, ornamental trusses, and a striking thatched roof that adds a rustic charm. Throughout the 16th century, notable alterations and enhancements were made, seamlessly merging Tudor-style elements with Renaissance influences, a testament to the evolving tastes of the era and nestled gracefully beside St. Nicholas church.
Originally part of the expansive manor of Boughton Malherbe, the Old Rectory has a storied lineage, once owned by distinguished families whose influence shaped the region's history. Among these were the Stanhopes, known for their pivotal roles in the political landscape during Elizabethan times, and the Wottons, recognized for their contributions to local agriculture and society. Today, the property is in the hands of the heirs of Earl Cornwallis, a title rich with historical significance, ensuring that the Old Rectory's legacy continues as a revered piece of British aristocratic lineage. In April 1968, it was designated as a Grade II listed building. This status underscores its architectural merit and vital cultural heritage.
**HAUNTINGS**
Within the ancient walls of this storied edifice lies a haunting tale. Eyewitness accounts recount encounters with a ghostly, pale, grey, smoke-like figure believed to be the spirit of a monk, potentially linked to the early history of the church. This ethereal apparition is reported to glide silently through the building and grounds, particularly during the twilight hours, evoking an aura of mystery and the supernatural, contributing to the enchanting tapestry of the Old Rectory's rich past.
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
CHURCH ST, LOOSE MAIDSTONE ME15
Nestled alongside a picturesque stream and amidst a charming cluster of age-old cottages, the church is a serene presence in an enchanting valley. Its history traces back to 832 AD when the Monks of Canterbury, drawn by the landscape's beauty, likely established a rudimentary church. The Domesday Book, compiled in 1086, highlights Loose as having a 'manor of the monks,' a testament to its early ecclesiastical significance.
The existing structure features a Chancel and tower that were constructed before 1300. Yet, by 1327, signs of wear were evident: the thatched roof sagged, the ceilings were in disrepair, and the interior lacked pews, leaving the floor dressed only in a layer of rushes. It wasn't until 1364 that detailed accounts from churchwardens began documenting the life within these walls.
In the early 15th Centruy it was restored by John Wotton, who was the master at the College of All saints in Maidstone between 1395–1417
The year 1555 marks the first recorded mention of a priest, Johannes Julyan, his name immortalized on a plaque above the South exit door.
A significant milestone came in 1559 with establishing a register for baptisms, marriages, and burials, adding to the church's historical repository. By 1590, the congregation welcomed the introduction of a Silver Chalice and other sacred vessels, which are now safeguarded in a bank for their protection. The treble bell, installed in 1550, heralded moments of triumph, famously sounding the victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588, followed in subsequent years by the addition of Middle and Tenor bells.
The 17th Century brought sweeping changes; the stone altar and decorative statues were removed, and the once-vibrant painted walls were covered in plaster and whitewash. The Great Bible was placed prominently, and services transitioned from Latin to the vernacular, making them more accessible to the congregation.
Throughout the 19th Century, the church underwent further transformations. Notably, in 1824, a clock was carefully crafted and installed in the tower, marking the passage of time in this sacred space. However, the most significant challenge came in 1878 when a devastating fire swept through the Nave. Fortunately, the Tower, Chancel, and Organ were miraculously spared, allowing for a swift restoration. Within a year, the church was revitalized, with a new altar fashioned from oak timbers reclaimed from the remnants of the old roof.
**HAUNTINGS**
Local lore speaks of its eerie reputation as home to a haunting. Two spectral figures appear only to those brave enough to prick a yew tree in the churchyard with a pin and then run around the Church thirteen times.
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
20 CHURCH STREET, MAIDSTONE ME14
Holy Trinity is a monumental testament to 19th-century architecture. It was the inaugural church among nine that would grace Maidstone. The foundation stone was solemnly laid on September 26th, 1826, marking the beginning of a grand structure that would rise to a stunning 135-foot spire. The Archbishop of Canterbury consecrated this remarkable edifice on October 29th, 1828, drawing large congregations that filled its hallowed halls for many years.
However, the aftermath of the First World War marked a turning point for Holy Trinity as it transitioned into a Garrison Church. Over the following four decades, the once vibrant building fell into a state of gradual decline; the ragstone comprising its walls began to crumble, and congregant numbers dwindled significantly. By July 1966, the church held its last service, and its interior trimming was stripped away, leading to its eventual deconsecration.
In a heartening turn of events, "The Friends of Maidstone Trinity Trust" have dedicated themselves to restoring this iconic structure, envisioning it as a community centre. Today, it serves as The Trinity Foyer, a vital housing and homeless charity focused on supporting young people. Once overgrown and forgotten, the former churchyard has been partially revitalized. It is now cherished as Trinity Park—a serene green space for reflection and recreation.
**HAUNTINGS**
Amidst the history and transformation of this site, haunting whispers linger. Local legend tells of three young girls, the daughters of a vicar, who tragically succumbed to smallpox on the same fateful day. It is believed that their spirits now wander the graveyard, adding an air of mystery to the area. A woman who often walked her dog in this tranquil setting claimed to have seen the spectral figures, their presence weaving together the threads of history and the ethereal.
BOXLEY ABBEY HOUSE
SANDLING, MAIDSTONE ME14
Four miles northeast of Maidstone, Boxley Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded c. 1146 by William of Ypres, leader of King Stephen's Flemish mercenaries, and colonized by monks from Clairvaux Abbey in France. In 1171, the then abbot was one of those responsible for the burial of the murdered archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket.
In 1193, the Abbots of Boxley and Robertsbridge journeyed to the continent to search for King Richard I, finally locating him in Bavaria.
In 1321, King Edward II held court at the abbey.
During 1512-13, the Abbot appealed to the crown to arrest four of the monks, accusing them of rebelliousness.
It was once famous, and later notorious, for its miraculous Rood of Grace and its wondrous statue of St. Rumwold. The two were, for pilgrims, trekking to Canterbury.
Boxley Abbey barn that dates from thr 12th Centruy, was the Hospiteum to the Cistercian Abbey. The magnificent scissor truss roof is late 14th Century, nearly 200 feet long, it is amongst the longest surviving monastic buildings in the country and is both Grade I listed and a scheduled ancient monument.
The abbey appears to have been "surrendered" to the king or dissolved on January 29, 1537 (in the 28th year of the reign of Henry). The site of the abbey and many of its manorial estates were granted to Sir Thomas Wyatt in 1540. After the dissolution, some of the complexes were transformed into a house, with the remainder virtually demolished. Parts survive within the present Boxley House, and there are some fragmentary remains of the church still standing.
The house and land was bought by the Best-Shaw family in the 1890s but they never resided there until after WWII
The kitchen garden wall had two entrances to underground passages leading to the church at Boxley (east) and Allington Castle (southwest).
Boxley House is a beautiful, seven-bedroom 17th-century Jacobean manor house with a Queen Anne facade and comes with a three-bedroom annex. It was granted a Grade II listing in April 1968.
Within the boundaries of the 22 acre old abbey site is also a separate two-bedroom cottage, garage, workshop, stores, a paddock and woodlands.
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has undertaken annual work parties at the abbey, uncovering details of its history and working to preserve and restore the historic site.
The owners had used the site for weddings but after decades of ownership, it all went up for sale in 2023 for the asking price of £2.25 Million with Strutt & Parker and has been sold.
**HAUNTINGS**
The house is rumored to have its ghost but not from the Abbey times. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a butler named Thomas Sales, who used to sleep in the pantry. One evening, there was a burglary and a lot of wine was stolen, although there was no sign of forced entry. Thomas Sales then committed suicide two days after a robbery on the house, shooting himself while sitting in a chair in the pantry. He had remained tight-lipped but troubled. Letters were found after his death saying a group of seven men had forced their way in, were blackmailing him, and had threatened to kill him if he revealed the truth. The strain had led to him taking his own life. Some have said that they have seen the spirit of Thomas starting to haunt the house, first being seen in the 1960s by the occupants in the lounge bar, and other reports have even said that people have been pushed down the stairs by an unknown force.