SWALE 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 Swale 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 JAMES CHURCH
BICKNOR, SITTINGBOURNE ME9
Designated as a Chapel of Ease within the Parish of Bredgar with Bicknor, this historic church has roots that trace back to the Twelfth Century, with flint stone walls and gothic style rose windows, reflecting the architectural styles and ecclesiastical practices of that era.
What sets Bicknor Church apart is its unique construction, primarily composed of locally sourced chalk, which is accented by flint facings on the exterior. This combination not only highlights the craftsmanship of the period but also integrates the building more closely with its natural surroundings.
The structure underwent a significant restoration between 1859 and 1861, overseen by the renowned architect George Gilbert Scott, which revitalized its original features while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
This church has been recognized for its historical importance, receiving Grade II listed status in April 1968.
Despite its historical charm, Bicknor Church is notable for its lack of modern amenities; there is no electricity on the premises. Lighting is provided by a combination of candles and oil lamps, which creates a warm, atmospheric glow, particularly enchanting during evening gatherings and services.
**HAUNTINGS**
In terms of its more mysterious aspects, accounts of paranormal activity have emerged from the 20th Century. Eyewitnesses reported hearing echoing footfalls resonating through the church, suggesting the presence of unseen visitors, while others spoke of a large, shadowy animal that appeared suddenly and vanished upon approach, adding to the church’s enigmatic atmosphere. These haunting reports have woven the chapel into the paranormal realm, attracting those intrigued by the supernatural alongside those seeking solace in its hallowed halls.
ST PETERS & ST PAULS CHURCH
THE VICARAGE SCHOOL LANE BORDEN SITTINGBOURNE KENT ME9
The intriguing origin of the name Borden has sparked considerable debate among historians and linguists alike. It is thought to derive from the Old English word "bor," meaning hill, combined with either "denu," which translates to valley, or "denn," signifying woodland pasture. Another possibility is that it originates from the term "boar" or "den," reflecting the presence of wild animals that once roamed the verdant landscape of the region.
The name Borden was first documented in the twelfth century, appearing as "Bordena." However, many believe it can be traced back to Sir Francis de Bourdon, a name that has evolved into various forms today, including Borden, Burden, and Bourdon. Sir Francis belonged to the illustrious lineage of the de Bourdons from Bayeux, Normandy, France. He attained the title of Lord over an extensive castle and its surrounding lands, which had been under the dominion of the Saxon Ethelwolf of Kent. Following Ethelwolf's demise at the iconic Battle of Hastings, these lands were granted to Sir Francis by William the Conqueror as a reward for his unwavering loyalty during the monumental Norman conquest of 1066. Over the generations, as the family settled into English life, the name gradually transformed into what we recognize today as Borden.
At the heart of the village lies the historic Church of St. Peter and Paul, a majestic structure that has proudly stood sentinel for over 800 years. The original church is believed to have been established by monks from the renowned Leeds Abbey, while the current edifice was commissioned around 1210 by the noble Lady Robergia de Bourdon. As the daughter of Elfrida of Kent—granddaughter of the vanquished Saxon Ethelwolf—and the wife of Sir Francis de Bourdon, Lady Robergia played a pivotal role in the church's history. Within its hallowed walls rest the remains of the family’s earliest known members, weaving a rich tapestry of ancestry and devotion.
**HAUNTINGS**
In 2014, a photograph emerged, capturing public attention and finding its way into local newspapers, claiming to showcase a 'faceless monk in a habit.' However, this eerie image was soon dismissed by critics as unconvincing, resembling merely a sheet caught behind a window at the church or perhaps an optical illusion caused by light refracting through the glass.
You can view the Kent online article and picture HERE and make your own mind up on its authenticity.
ST MARY THE VIRGIN
116 CHURCH LN, NEWINGTON, SITTINGBOURNE ME9
Newington, a name steeped in history, derives from the Old English terms' tūn', signifying 'enclosure, farmstead, or village', and 'niwe', meaning 'new'. These words eloquently translate to 'new farm or settlement', reflecting the area's pastoral roots. This notable community is recorded in the Domesday Book as Neutone or Newetone, suggesting its significance even in the 11th century.
At the heart of Newington stands the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, a magnificent edifice whose architectural splendour is recognised as a Grade I listed building. This venerable structure dates back to the 13th century, with further enhancements and additions made over the following two centuries. In 1662, the esteemed bell caster John Wilnar crafted and installed a harmonious ring of six bells that continue to grace the church tower. On the north side of the high chancel, part of a square tower—now truncated to the height of the church roof and capped with a flat covering—whispers of a once grand design. The church once boasted exquisite stained glass windows. However, much of this artistry was regrettably lost during the restoration efforts of the Victorians in the 19th century.
In 1936, a significant stone known locally as the Devil's Stone was relocated by local parishioners from the corner of Church Lane to the entrance of the church, a physical testament to the community's rich folklore.
**HAUNTINGS**
Not really a haunting but a local legend that paints a vivid picture of the church's past folklore, recounting how the tolling of its bells was so unnerving to the Devil that he ventured into the belfry one fateful night. In frustration, he gathered the bells into a sack and leapt down, only to stumble over the large stone. This misstep left his footprint forever engraved on its surface. In the ensuing chaos, the bells tumbled out of the sack, clattering down the lane toward Halstow, where they eventually splashed into a stream that, from that day forward, flowed as clear as a bell. This enchanting tale of mystery and mischief adds an alluring layer to Newington's storied history.
ST MARGARETS CHURCH
WICHLING SITTINGBOURNE ME9
St. Margaret's, a captivating Norman church nestled amid lush woodlands and expansive fields, gracefully resides on the dip slope of the North Downs, isolated yet enchanting within the Diocese of Canterbury. This historic edifice operates without modern amenities and is illuminated by the warm glow of vintage gas lights that enhance its timeless charm. The church's rich heritage can be traced back to a Saxon structure referenced in the Domesday Book, and it boasts a fascinating architectural blend featuring Roman tiles, bricks, and distinctive tufa stone within the chancel.
Adorning the north wall is a blocked-up Norman doorway, a silent testament to the church's layered history. Of particular significance is a remarkably rare Saxon lead vessel, likely crafted from repurposed Roman lead, that has served as a font since its discovery during Victorian restorations. This artefact is now housed at Canterbury Cathedral, although literature and photographs related to it remain accessible for those wishing to delve deeper into its story.
St. Margaret's proudly embraces its identity as an eco-church thoughtfully managed to promote wildlife and wildflowers. This reflects a broader commitment to a 'living lightly' philosophy that resonates throughout its grounds.
**HAUNTINGS**
In 2003, an intriguing encounter unfolded when a group of four visitors in the churchyard at night reported witnessing a small, shadowy entity with mesmerizing, glowing red eyes dart past them. Their evening took an eerie turn as they were enveloped by an unsettling whistling sound and a swiftly moving cloud that masked the sky above. Other chilling tales have emerged, detailing sightings of diminutive figures lingering at the edge of the woods, adding to the church's air of mystery and intrigue.