Guild of Friends Annual Outing, May 2007 - Part 1

We didn't have to travel far this year because our two destinations are near Maidstone, Kent.

St. Nicholas Church, Mereworth Our first stop was at the beautiful Georgian church of St Lawrence at Mereworth. On arrival we were warmly greeted by the rector, the Rev'd Noel McConachie, his wife Evelyn and our guide, churchwarden emeritus, Douglas Bratt. Douglas said that he had had to look up "emeritus" in case it was some sort of disease!

Both the interior and the exterior of the church are remarkable. The guide book says the church has been described as "The outstanding 18th century church in the county ….. and has one of the most remarkable neo-classical interiors in Europe". A programme of cleaning has dramatically enhanced the interior decorative work which includes a trompe-l'œil painting of organ pipes above the gallery at the west end of the church.

There are several unusual stained glass windows. High above the sanctuary is a huge semi-circular window consisting solely of heraldic arms while the window below it, behind the altar, has an angel with red wings, which is quite unusual. The lovely millennium window was designed by the wife of our guide. It is a roundel set in a clear glass window and depicts St Lawrence's church, oast houses, apple trees, strawberries, a rainbow etc. Douglas explained that everything was symbolic e.g. the 10 apple trees represent the 10 Commandments and the time of 1 o'clock on the church clock (13 o'clock in 24 hour time) represents the 13 people at The Last Supper.

The church has plenty of memorials but they are especially proud of the one to Rear-Admiral C.D.Lucas who was the very first recipient of the Victoria Cross. But perhaps the most unusual of all is the "heart shrine" which was made to contain the embalmed heart of George, 5th Lord Bergavenny who died in 1535. This shrine, along with many other very old monuments, was re-erected from the earlier church which was demolished in 1744. This was because it was in an inconvenient position (!) and spoilt the symmetry of the rebuilt Mereworth Castle.

If you would like to visit St Lawrence's, Mereworth, a good time would be over the August Bank Holiday weekend when they are holding a flower festival.

The Guild of Friends of St. Lawrence's Church
From The Beacon, July 2007

Go to Part 2