Capel

A Kent byway in the Pembury Woods

Hammer Dyke between Tudeley and Golden Green. Oilseed rape in the background.

Railway line between Redhill and Ashford. Taken from the railway bridge between Tonbridge and Paddock Wood.

A christian centre, East of Tonbridge.

The B2017 is a short (4 miles) rural road from Tonbridge to Paddock Wood TQ6644 : B2017, Via Tudley and Five Oak Green.

This small church is famous for its stained glass windows by Chagal.

Like many of the Oast houses in Kent, now a private residence.

An arable area in West Kent.

Part of extensive arable crops in this area of west kent.

Roadside inn and restaurant.

There are many fields like this, in this area.

One of many arable fields in this area.

A very typical Weald of Kent scene.

There are a lot of orchards in this part of West Kent, however not as many as there were.

Grade I listed Capel was originally founded as a Chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket soon after his murder in 1170. There is a single stage west tower, nave and chancel, the tower has a pyramidal roof. The original 12th century chapel probably was a simple building which now comprises the nave. The chancel and tower arches are 14th century and the present roof with king post styling and heavy beams was built in the 15th century. The nave has 2 medieval windows to the north, the north wall has extensive remains of 13th century paintings. They were uncovered in 1927 and belong to two distinct periods; The earlier circa 1200, and the later circa 1250. They depict various scenes from the Bible including Cain slaying Abel, which is unusual, but maybe is explained by the dedication of the church to St Thomas Becket and his martyrdom. The paintings appear to have been done by an experienced hand, and are similar to the Rochester Cathedral School. In 1639 a serious fire destroyed the upper part of the tower. The 3 bells melted and damaged most of the south wall. An appeal was made to the parishioners for financial assistance which was estimated at £510. The money was found and the tower rebuilt. In the chancel there is an oak Communion rail with the date 1682 and the name Michael Davies. In the churchyard there is an old yew tree beneath which Saint Thomas a Becket was supposed to have preached. The girth of the tree is nearly 26 feet. The church is now redundant and under the Churches Conservation Trust.

Orchards are a common feature of the West Kent landscape.