St John the Evangelist
Ickham, Kent
With a handsome broach spire and walls of flint, stone and brick, St John's is set in a large and attractive churchyard.
Rebuilding became necessary in the 16th century, but by then money was short (said to be because the funds raised for the rebuilding were embezzled by the person entrusted with the money). Only the south aisle was rebuilt, and even that was done on a tight budget, as timber was used for the pillars rather than the usual (but pricey) stone.
In the south transept and completely dominating all around it is the bizarre Oxenden monument. Dating from 1682, it consists of a huge obelisk decorated with tumbling fruit and flowers, at the foot of which are four chubby putti, one of whom is holding a helmet.
Other monuments include one to Sir Thomas Palmer of 1624 showing him in Jacobean armour. There are early 14th century misericords in the church, including one depicting a Green Man.
The stone reredos in the chancel is 15th century and from France. It was given as a gift to the church in the 1930s.
