St John the Baptist
Smallhythe, Kent
An unusual and attractive Tudor building built in 1516-17.
The church is dedicated to a prominent Saxon saint, a foundation of St Mildred's abbey at Minster in Thanet. Tenterden is the 'den of Thanet folk', Tanet wara denne.
The church is 14th century nave with later aisles, crown post roof with superb wagon ceiling. There is a visible 13th century arcade in the chancel, and east lancet window with victorian glass. The chancel screen by is by Bodley.
The noble tower (probable mason Thomas Stanley) indicating the 15th century prosperity of the town, which joined the Cinque Ports in 1460.
There is a notable monument to Whitfeld family with figures, heraldic accoutrements. An interesting Sanctus bell (c1400) in east gable of nave is rung horizontally from the west tower.
The wife of Philip Ward (Vicar 1830-59) was Horatia, daughter of Lord Nelson.
Tenterden was noted from about 1400 for a degree of 'Lollardy' and the nonconformist presence in the town remained marked, the Tilden family emigrating in 1630 to be involved in the establishment of the Massachusetts colony.
Interesting memorials include cousins of Prime Minister Robert Peel, Nelson descendants (Nelson Ward family), and Frank Elliott, a young man who died in the famous charge of the 21st Lancers at Omdurman (with a young Lieutenant Winston Churchill among the officers). Mayor's pew (as in other Cinque Ports) with fittings for the maces of the Town Sergeants.
