Although the hotel dates from 1503, the original structure was built in the 14th Century. It was formerly known as the Little Inn and was made famous by Charles Dickens. It was also the birth place of the Elizabethan poet John Lyly (1553/4-1606), a contempory of Shakespeare.

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This ancient church is the oldest pre-Norman Conquest (1066) church still standing within the city walls of Canterbury. It is a few short steps from the remains of Canterbury Castle.

St. Mildreds dates back to the Saxon period, but was badly damaged by a fire in 1246. Much of the current building is 13th century. The large quoins of the south west corner of the church are reused Roman stones. The majority of the windows are 14th century, while the north aisle was added in 1486.

One of the most interesting features of the interior is the king-post roof construction. This is 14th century work, and utilizes huge timbers.

Another interesting feature is the font. This is fairly plain, and dates to 1420. What makes it interesting, though, is that it retains its original cover and lifting mechanism for raising the cover. The carved bench ends date from 1520 and were brought from St John's church when that building was demolished.

The south east chapel was built in 1512 by Thomas Attwood, four times Mayor of Canterbury. Unusually, a small fireplace is set into the wall of the chapel. Just above and to the left of the fireplace is a window containing a small section of 13th century stained glass depicting St Mildred.

Near the pulpit is a monument to Sir Thomas Cranmer (d. 1640). Cranmer was the nephew of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer of Reformation fame.

In the churchyard, behind the east end of the church, is the grave of Alderman Simmons, who donated Dane John Gardens to the city of Canterbury.

Tags:   St. Mildred's Church Canterbury England

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At the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, there was a church and four mills in the village of Patrixbourne, which, at that time, was called 'Born'. The manor was owned by Richard Patric, a Norman lord whose family came from the Calvados region of France.

The Patric family, whose name eventually merged with the Saxon 'Born' to create Patrixbourne, replaced the simple Saxon church around 1170 with the current building. It is extensively carved, particularly around the south doorway (the tympanum) and the priest's door in the chancel wall.

More info here: www.britainexpress.com/counties/kent/churches/patrixbourn...

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Tags:   St Mary's Church medieval Patrixbourne Canterbury Kent England

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