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St George
IVYCHURCH
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Built under the patronage of the archbishops of Canterbury, St George is an exceptionally large parish church measuring 40.5m (133ft) in length, reflecting the prestige of the archbishops rather than the size of the parish, which has always been small.
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The beautifully carved 15th century choir stalls remain, and an octagonal Kentish rag stone font of the same period. Ivychurch has long been associated with smugglers, and legend has it that at times services could not be held because of the amount of contraband stored in the church.
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The parish is huge and spreads across the marsh down to the boundary between Kent and East Sussex, although its population is only some 170, 50% of whom live in the village. The shape of the parish is rather unusual as it follows the parcels of land to the south-west which were progressively 'inned' (drained) in the 12th century onwards.
The village centres around St George's Church and The Bell Inn. The pub acts as a meeting point for many village activities, hosting local morris men groups and inviting many local musicians to showcase their talents. The Bell presents a very popular beer and cider festival every year.
Access
Usually open. Key at Church Slip, next but one to the Church. Churchwarden Mrs Margaret Waite, 01797 344283. Further information about the local church community may be found on the website of the Romney Marsh Benefice.
Postcode: TN29 0AL
The name Ivychurch could refer to an ivy-covered church. An alternative ancient title as "The church on the isle in the waters" suggests a flooded landscape here.
The church has many interesting features including faded medieval wall paintings.
The large church is a cavernous space. The church is approximately 19 metres wide (62 feet).
A damaged piscina, or stone basin, can be found, where the priest would have washed the vessels after the Mass. Pre-reformation stained glass fragments can be seen in the window above.
The pier nearest the South door pier contains clusters of apotropaic marks or ritual protection symbols.
The Royal Arms of George III hang in the church - a reminder that the monarch, not the pope, was head of the Church of England.
An original 14th Century wall painting was restored in 2009.
RMHCT funded a significant restoration project to the great tower window. Some of the better pieces of the original window are now on display.
During periods of neglect, the church was used to store smuggled contraband.
Find out more
Discover more about St George’s Church at Ivychurch with our new self-guided tour. Scan the QR code on your mobile device or click the tour button to view online.
Listen online
An audio-only version of the tour is also available to listen to here.
The Marsh Mosaics Art Trail - Downloadable Handouts
RMHCT Funded Project
Replacing the West Window
