St Mary in the Marsh

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St Mary in the Marsh


The church of St Mary the Virgin, St Mary in the Marsh

St Mary in the Marsh (Kent)
St Mary in the Marsh

St Mary in the Marsh shown within Kent
District Shepway
Shire county Kent
Region South East
Constituent country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Police Kent
Fire Kent
Ambulance South East Coast
European Parliament South East England
UK Parliament Folkestone and Hythe
List of places: UKEnglandKent

Coordinates: 51°00′54″N 0°56′42″E / 51.015, 0.945

St Mary in the Marsh is a village near New Romney in Kent, Englandsituated in the heart of Romney Marsh in one of its least populated areas but with New Romney just 3 miles away there are plenty of amenities close- by. The Village consists of a few homes, The Star Inn, which provides a focal point for the local community and a church, “St Mary the Virgin”

It is probable that there was a Saxon church on the site originally known as "Siwold's Circe". This was superseded after the Norman invasion by a stone built church with a splendid three tier tower of Kentish ragstone. The oldest parts of the church are about 1133 AD. The chancel was extended in about 1220 AD. Like many Marsh churches it is built on a mound to avoid flooding. It is thought that in days gone by, the Norman built church was used by local smugglers to store their smuggled goods. Inside is a plaque commemorating Edith Nesbit, author of "The Railway Children", who lived at St. Mary's Bay and is buried in the churchyard. There are many interesting features of the building which warrant a visit.

St Mary in the Marsh is surrounded by the stark beauty of the marshes & the open landscapes of rich farmland

The grave of E. Nesbit, author of  The Railway Children, in the churchyard of St Mary in the Marsh church
The grave of E. Nesbit, author of The Railway Children, in the churchyard of St Mary in the Marsh church