SEVENOAKS 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 Sevenoaks 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.
ST MARY THE VIRGIN
HIGH ST, KEMSING, SEVENOAKS TN15
Evidence of Roman occupation can still be traced in the quaint village of Kemsing, where, by the twilight of Roman influence, the ruling class had largely embraced Christianity. This suggests that a primitive Christian chapel may have graced the village from that transformative era onward. Compelling documentary evidence confirms the existence of a church on this very site predating 820 AD, harmonizing with the wider spread of Christianity throughout Kent following St. Augustine’s momentous landing in AD 597.
In a historical twist, the village is also the birthplace of St. Edith, the illegitimate daughter of King Edgar, who was born in 961 within the walls of a convent that now lies beneath what is known as The Box House. The church’s location beautifully aligns with this rich heritage.
An archaeological survey reveals that the earliest stones of the current church structure date back to approximately 1060, particularly evident in the robust south wall, which measures two to three feet thick, tapering from a sturdy base to a more delicate crown. Over the centuries, adaptations and enhancements enriched its character, including the addition of exquisite stained glass windows, among which the St. Anne window, dating around 1370, stands out as a crowning jewel.
In 1874, Kemsing regained its status as a distinct parish, welcoming the leadership of its first vicar, the Reverend George Bridges Lewis. A vicar’s vestry was constructed in 1878, ushering in a series of renovations that would further shape the church’s journey through time.
During the harrowing years of the First World War, St. Edith Hall served a noble purpose, transforming into a hospital staffed by the dedicated members of the Kent Voluntary Aid Detachment. Wounded soldiers returning from the Western Front found refuge in this hall, among numerous facilities across southeastern England. The church itself stood as a beacon of hope and solace, hosting services for the brave souls who were able to attend.
In a testament to its historical and architectural significance, the church received its Grade II listing in September 1954.
**HAUNTINGS**
Legend whispers of a haunting presence, said to belong to one of the knights responsible for the murder of Thomas à Becket. Folklore suggests that these knights may have traversed Kemsing on their fateful journey to Canterbury, and each year, on December 29, a spectral knight is reported to be seen praying fervently at the church altar before mysteriously vanishing into the ether. The tale of this ghostly figure has captivated the imagination of many, with Mysterious Britain featuring an article on the haunting lore associated with the church, alongside a Facebook post by Haunted History elaborating on the enigmatic story of the spectral knight.