Sandwich Kent England UK: Historic Churches

United Reformed Church Sandwich Kent:

Sandwich United Reformed Church is among the earliest of the Independent Chapels, or as they were called, Meeting Houses, erected by men and women who felt that they could not comply with the Act of Uniformity and who believed that they had a right to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their own conscience.

Though the beginnings of the Sandwich Independent Chapel are veiled in obscurity, there is sufficient evidence to prove that the cause was in existence prior to 1643. In that year we are told that they used as their Meeting House a building at the back of Guildhall on the site of an inn formerly used by Canterbury Pilgrims.

Of historical interest are the two wooden pillars supporting the centre of the church which were the masts of the ships which brought the 'Dissenters' to England.

The present church was built in 1706 at a cost then of nearly £400 and during the renovation of 1897 it was re-floored, re-roofed and re-seated in pine and a new pulpit was provided.

The date of the old photograph is to be determined.

The key holder is Mr Wiggins in Delf Street 01304 612292

Click Here for the United Reformed Chuch Web Site.