Faversham Parish Church

Faversham Parish Church – formally the Church of St Mary of Charity – is the Church of England parish church of Faversham, a market town in the Swale district of Kent. Its openwork crown spire dominates the town's skyline and can be seen from a long way off, which makes it an easy landmark to aim for when you arrive.

What is Faversham Parish Church?

It is the main parish church of the town, and it is still in regular use for worship. Faversham lies on the north Kent coast, in the borough of Swale, and the church stands close to the historic centre. The spire is the feature most visitors notice first, long before they reach the building itself.

How old is the church?

The earliest written trace of the church is a charter of 1070, only four years after the Norman invasion. That document gave the church to St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury. The dedication to St Mary of Charity is also linked to Faversham Abbey, the royal abbey founded in the town. The abbey's mother house in France carried the same dedication, and the name survives here as a reminder of that connection.

Why does the spire look the way it does?

The medieval central tower and spire did not last. After they were taken down in the eighteenth century, the church received its present crown spire, built in the 1790s. It is credited to the architect Charles Beazley, who is said to have drawn inspiration from St Dunstan-in-the-East in London, a church associated with Sir Christopher Wren. The spire rises about 46 metres.

The first version was an openwork structure in brick at the west end. In 1855 it was encased in stone to the design of George Gilbert Scott, one of the best-known church architects of Victorian Britain. Scott also reworked the nave and transepts in 1873–75, so the interior and the outline of the building carry a strong nineteenth-century stamp on top of the older fabric.

What should I know about the bells?

For many years the tower held a peal of eight bells. In 2020 the bells were taken down to be re-tuned. A steel frame was built above the bell level, and two new bells were added. When the bells are rehung, the church will have a ring of ten.

What can I see and do nearby?

• Walk around the churchyard. The grounds are a quiet place to take in the spire from several angles and to photograph the stonework.
• Combine it with the town centre. Faversham is known for its well-preserved streets, market tradition and brewing heritage. The church fits naturally into a walking visit of the old town.
• Look up from a distance. The spire is visible from many approaches, so you can spot the church from the surrounding streets before you arrive.

Frequently asked questions

Is Faversham Parish Church the same as St Mary of Charity? Yes. St Mary of Charity is the full dedication; locals and visitors usually say the parish church.

How tall is the spire? About 46 metres.

Who designed the current spire? Charles Beazley is credited with the crown spire of the 1790s. George Gilbert Scott later encased it in stone in 1855.

Is the church still active? Yes, it serves as the Church of England parish church of Faversham.

Where is it? In Faversham, in the Swale district of Kent, in south-east England.