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Beal's Fall

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Kent Swale

England

Beal's Fall

Sheppey - Minster Abbey church Looking at Minster Abbey church from the pathway into its churchyard from the adjacent car park (beside the Working Men's Club). See shared description below for more information and links.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church Credit: Rob Farrow

Beal's Fall, located in Kent, is a remarkable coastal feature that encompasses a headland and a point. Situated along the southeastern coast of England, Beal's Fall offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of the English Channel.

With its rugged cliffs and dramatic coastline, Beal's Fall is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The headland, characterized by steep cliffs that drop down into the sea, provides a stunning backdrop for visitors to admire and capture the beauty of the area. The cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, showcasing the geological history of the region.

At the tip of the headland lies the point, which juts out into the sea, providing a panoramic view of the coast. This vantage point offers an ideal spot for birdwatching, as various seabirds can be observed soaring above the waves or nesting on the cliffs. The point's elevated position also makes it a fantastic location for spotting passing ships and sailboats.

Visitors to Beal's Fall can explore the coastal paths that wind along the cliffs, providing ample opportunities for scenic walks and hikes. Along the paths, wildflowers and coastal vegetation can be found, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

Overall, Beal's Fall is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty of the Kent region. Its headland and point offer stunning views of the rugged cliffs, the expansive sea, and the diverse wildlife that call this area home.

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Beal's Fall Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.424803/0.83370024 or Grid Reference TQ9773. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sheppey - Minster Abbey church Looking at Minster Abbey church from the pathway into its churchyard from the adjacent car park (beside the Working Men's Club). See shared description below for more information and links.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church
Looking at Minster Abbey church from the pathway into its churchyard from the adjacent car park (beside the Working Men's Club). See shared description below for more information and links.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church from the east The eastern end of Minster Abbey church taken from its graveyard. The porch on the left is the way into this interesting old church. See shared description below for more information and links.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church from the east
The eastern end of Minster Abbey church taken from its graveyard. The porch on the left is the way into this interesting old church. See shared description below for more information and links.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Green Man carving A rather wonderful carving of the ancient Green Man symbol carved into a stone moulding above a door in St Sexburga's chapel. The Green Man is found from ancient times in both ecclesiastical and secular buildings. See Wikipedia article here: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Green Man carving
A rather wonderful carving of the ancient Green Man symbol carved into a stone moulding above a door in St Sexburga's chapel. The Green Man is found from ancient times in both ecclesiastical and secular buildings. See Wikipedia article here: LinkExternal link
Sheppey - Minster Abbey - Gatehouse The gatehouse to Minster Abbey dates from the C13th and is the only remaining building from the former abbey. It houses a museum, see their own website here: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.minstergatehouse.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.minstergatehouse.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> If you wish to visit, I suggest you check its opening hours.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey - Gatehouse
The gatehouse to Minster Abbey dates from the C13th and is the only remaining building from the former abbey. It houses a museum, see their own website here: LinkExternal link If you wish to visit, I suggest you check its opening hours.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey - Gatehouse and museum Looking at the portal of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7395745">TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey - Gatehouse</a> which, apart from the church, is all that remains of the former abbey on this site, though since 1937 there has been an active nunnery here. This gatehouse houses a small museum, currently [Feb 2023] only open for a couple of hours on a Saturday. See their website here: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.minstergatehouse.co.uk/opening-times" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.minstergatehouse.co.uk/opening-times">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sheppey - Minster Abbey - Gatehouse and museum
Looking at the portal of TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey - Gatehouse which, apart from the church, is all that remains of the former abbey on this site, though since 1937 there has been an active nunnery here. This gatehouse houses a small museum, currently [Feb 2023] only open for a couple of hours on a Saturday. See their website here: LinkExternal link
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Eastern aspect A view of the eastern end of the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga in Minster, Sheppey. Taken from its churchyard.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Eastern aspect
A view of the eastern end of the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga in Minster, Sheppey. Taken from its churchyard.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Eastern end of main church The Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga in Minster, Sheppey was originally effectively two churches joined together. To the south lies the larger section (seen here) which was for the lay people of the town while the smaller (but still quite large) northern section was for use by the denizens of the abbey. This is a view of the eastern end of the main section, with the altar and three-lancet Early English East Window with C20th glass. According to westsheppeyparish.org.uk this glass was originally installed in St Michael’s, Cornhill, London. When that church was to be demolished in 1964, the vicar of Minster, Rev R.D. Wain, who had connections to the London parish arranged for the glass to be transferred to this church. This website goes on to say that "The centre panel shows the stoning of St Stephen, and the right hand panel the people of the world being brought to Christ." - however, I have difficulty aligning this description with the windows seen here - so there may be some confusion!
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Eastern end of main church
The Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga in Minster, Sheppey was originally effectively two churches joined together. To the south lies the larger section (seen here) which was for the lay people of the town while the smaller (but still quite large) northern section was for use by the denizens of the abbey. This is a view of the eastern end of the main section, with the altar and three-lancet Early English East Window with C20th glass. According to westsheppeyparish.org.uk this glass was originally installed in St Michael’s, Cornhill, London. When that church was to be demolished in 1964, the vicar of Minster, Rev R.D. Wain, who had connections to the London parish arranged for the glass to be transferred to this church. This website goes on to say that "The centre panel shows the stoning of St Stephen, and the right hand panel the people of the world being brought to Christ." - however, I have difficulty aligning this description with the windows seen here - so there may be some confusion!
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Western window This fine C20th glass is in the West Window of the main part of the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga in Minster, Sheppey.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Western window
This fine C20th glass is in the West Window of the main part of the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga in Minster, Sheppey.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Pelican round window This circular window featuring a 'Pelican in her piety' is situated above the central lancet of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7401653">TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Western window</a>. A 'Pelican in her piety' is an ancient heraldic device depicting a pelican 'vulning herself' - that is to say, pecking at her breast to draw blood to feed to her offspring. By analogy to Christ having his blood spilt to save mankind this entirely fictional behaviour of the pelican was adopted as a Christian symbol. For an extensive discussion of this motif, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.theschooloftheology.org/posts/essay/symbols-the-pelican-in-her-piety" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.theschooloftheology.org/posts/essay/symbols-the-pelican-in-her-piety">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Pelican round window
This circular window featuring a 'Pelican in her piety' is situated above the central lancet of TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Western window. A 'Pelican in her piety' is an ancient heraldic device depicting a pelican 'vulning herself' - that is to say, pecking at her breast to draw blood to feed to her offspring. By analogy to Christ having his blood spilt to save mankind this entirely fictional behaviour of the pelican was adopted as a Christian symbol. For an extensive discussion of this motif, see LinkExternal link
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of Robert de Shurland Baron Robert de Shurland (c. 1250-1327) was knighted by Edward I after the Battle of Caerlaverock in Scotland, and created Lord of Shurland & Minster and Baron Sheppey c.1300. A story about him is told in the collection known as the Ingoldsby Legends. In brief, having been warned by an old crone or witch that his faithful horse, Grey Dolphin, would kill him he promptly decapitated the poor animal. Some while later, wandering along a beach he came across the bones of his former trusty steed, and recounting the story to his comrades, he kicked the old nag's bones. A splinter punctured his shoe and he got a blood infection from which he died, fulfilling the prophecy. Originally there was a carving of the head of the horse behind his legs but sadly it is no longer there. For the full, and very lengthy legend, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.exclassics.com/ingold/ing8.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.exclassics.com/ingold/ing8.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> For a closer view of the baron's head, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7401685">TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Robert de Shurland - head</a>
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of Robert de Shurland
Baron Robert de Shurland (c. 1250-1327) was knighted by Edward I after the Battle of Caerlaverock in Scotland, and created Lord of Shurland & Minster and Baron Sheppey c.1300. A story about him is told in the collection known as the Ingoldsby Legends. In brief, having been warned by an old crone or witch that his faithful horse, Grey Dolphin, would kill him he promptly decapitated the poor animal. Some while later, wandering along a beach he came across the bones of his former trusty steed, and recounting the story to his comrades, he kicked the old nag's bones. A splinter punctured his shoe and he got a blood infection from which he died, fulfilling the prophecy. Originally there was a carving of the head of the horse behind his legs but sadly it is no longer there. For the full, and very lengthy legend, see LinkExternal link For a closer view of the baron's head, see TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Robert de Shurland - head
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Robert de Shurland - head A close view of the head of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7401680">TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of Robert de Shurland</a> - see that image for more details.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Robert de Shurland - head
A close view of the head of TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of Robert de Shurland - see that image for more details.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of Sir Thomas Cheyne Sir Thomas Cheyne (c.1485 – 16 December 1558) was Household Chancellor to Henry VIII and Lord Warden of Cinque Ports from 1536 until his death. He was also appointed Sheriff of Kent in 1515. At the dissolution of the monasteries he was granted (or bought from the Crown) the abbey and all the lands around it along with Davington Priory.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of Sir Thomas Cheyne
Sir Thomas Cheyne (c.1485 – 16 December 1558) was Household Chancellor to Henry VIII and Lord Warden of Cinque Ports from 1536 until his death. He was also appointed Sheriff of Kent in 1515. At the dissolution of the monasteries he was granted (or bought from the Crown) the abbey and all the lands around it along with Davington Priory.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Sir John de Northwode brass A memorial brass to Sir John de Northwode (24th Apr 1254 - 26th May 1319) who was Sheriff of Kent from 1292 to 1306. A brass to his wife <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7401717">TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Joan (née) Badlesmere brass</a> can be seen nearby. For more information on Sir John, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75632464/john-de-northwode" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75632464/john-de-northwode">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> For much more information about both brasses, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/arch-cant/vol/9/brass-sir-john-de-northwode-and-lady-minster-church-sheppey" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/arch-cant/vol/9/brass-sir-john-de-northwode-and-lady-minster-church-sheppey">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Sir John de Northwode brass
A memorial brass to Sir John de Northwode (24th Apr 1254 - 26th May 1319) who was Sheriff of Kent from 1292 to 1306. A brass to his wife TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Joan (née) Badlesmere brass can be seen nearby. For more information on Sir John, see LinkExternal link For much more information about both brasses, see LinkExternal link
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Joan (née) Badlesmere brass Joan Badlesmere (c.1255 - 2nd June 1319) was the wife of Sir John de Northwode whose memorial brass is nearby <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7401709">TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Sir John de Northwode brass</a>. For more information on Joan see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.geni.com/people/Joan-de-Northwood/6000000008777796597" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.geni.com/people/Joan-de-Northwood/6000000008777796597">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> For much more information about both brasses, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/arch-cant/vol/9/brass-sir-john-de-northwode-and-lady-minster-church-sheppey" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/arch-cant/vol/9/brass-sir-john-de-northwode-and-lady-minster-church-sheppey">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Joan (née) Badlesmere brass
Joan Badlesmere (c.1255 - 2nd June 1319) was the wife of Sir John de Northwode whose memorial brass is nearby TQ9572 : Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Sir John de Northwode brass. For more information on Joan see LinkExternal link For much more information about both brasses, see LinkExternal link
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of unknown Yorkist There is considerable speculation as to who is depicted in this effigy, with suggestions including George Duke of Clarence (murdered on the orders of his brother Edward IV by drowning in a vat of Malmsey wine on 18th February 1478) - however it is almost universally accepted that George is buried with his wife in Tewkesbury Abbey. Another candidate is Sir Hugh de Badlesemere a Yorkist soldier. However as the accompanying heraldry has been defaced - probably by anti-Yorkist Tudors in the C16th - we will probably never know for sure. The tomb is to be found within a niche in the north wall of the abbey church at Minster, Sheppey.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Tomb of unknown Yorkist
There is considerable speculation as to who is depicted in this effigy, with suggestions including George Duke of Clarence (murdered on the orders of his brother Edward IV by drowning in a vat of Malmsey wine on 18th February 1478) - however it is almost universally accepted that George is buried with his wife in Tewkesbury Abbey. Another candidate is Sir Hugh de Badlesemere a Yorkist soldier. However as the accompanying heraldry has been defaced - probably by anti-Yorkist Tudors in the C16th - we will probably never know for sure. The tomb is to be found within a niche in the north wall of the abbey church at Minster, Sheppey.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Mediæval nobleman's effigy This C15th effigy of a knight was dug up in the churchyard in 1833. His identity is unknown for sure but one suggestion is the captured Spaniard General Geronimo. He had been held captive for ransom since 1588 at nearby Queenborough Castle. Unfortunately for him the ransom was never paid and he died in captivity in 1591 with the church's records showing that he was buried here in that year. Whoever he is, his effigy now lies against the north wall of the abbey church at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey.
Sheppey - Minster Abbey church - Mediæval nobleman's effigy
This C15th effigy of a knight was dug up in the churchyard in 1833. His identity is unknown for sure but one suggestion is the captured Spaniard General Geronimo. He had been held captive for ransom since 1588 at nearby Queenborough Castle. Unfortunately for him the ransom was never paid and he died in captivity in 1591 with the church's records showing that he was buried here in that year. Whoever he is, his effigy now lies against the north wall of the abbey church at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey.
Beach huts at Minster Leas
Beach huts at Minster Leas
Path on the top of Minster Cliffs
Path on the top of Minster Cliffs
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Beal's Fall is located at Grid Ref: TQ9773 (Lat: 51.424803, Lng: 0.83370024)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Swale

Police Authority: Kent

What 3 Words

///guard.followers.reckoned. Near Eastchurch, Kent

Nearby Locations

Bugsby's Hole Beal's Fall Paddy's Point Bell Farm Park

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.424803,0.83370024
East End
Place: suburb
Source: OS Open Names
Lat/Long: 51.4231383/0.827584
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Communication Fm: yes
Man Made: mast
Tower Construction: lattice
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 51.423379/0.8306769
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.4225906/0.8387719
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
The Stone Essex
Bugsby's Hole Kent

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