Kent & Surrey Group Visit to Historic Churches of the Hoo Peninsula

Event details

Saturday 20 April, 10.30am - 1pm

Join the Kent & Surrey Group on a guided tour exploring the challenges of bringing historic churches up to modern standards.

We’ll start the day at St Margaret’s in High Halstow, where architect Simon Ablett is currently advising on an extension to help the church meet modern demands. Simon will tell us about the conservation and extension challenges this project presents, as well as some of the fascinating history of the church. 

After the visit to St Margaret’s, we’ll head to the nearby St James’ in Cooling, less than two miles away. This is a redundant church with links to Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations – the graveyard of which has 13 infant tombs Dickens described as ‘little stone lozenges each about a foot and a half long’. We expect there to be a debate about the uses of redundant churches. 

You’re very welcome to join us for lunch at a nearby pub after the visits. Please note that lunch is not included in the ticket price.

The Friends of St Margaret’s will be providing coffee and biscuits on arrival.

You will need...

You will need to bring an umbrella and wear sturdy footwear. 

Accessibility

Please note some there will be some walking which may occasionally involve uneven surfaces. 

At St Margaret’s, there is level access throughout the church. A ramp is available on request. There is parking within 250m. 

At St James’, a wheelchair ramp is available. There are two steps down into church.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: St Margaret’s Church © Glen, CC BY 2.0