Unspac a loyal knight of William the Conqueror received Eynsford’s lands. St Martin’s Church in Eynsford stands proudly. It’s a testament to history. This early Norman church dates back to around 1080. It replaced an older Saxon chapel. William d’Eynsford I built St Martin’s. He used local Kentish flint and ragstone. The church sits on high ground. It overlooks the ford that gave Eynsford its name.
The church’s interior is stunning. Notice the rounded Norman arch. It’s part of the original entrance. The 12th-century door is a key feature. It was once barred against a rector appointed by Thomas Becket. This was during Becket’s conflict with Henry II. The west tower and porch were added later in the 13th century. The clock tower holds a special inscription. It features words by Robert Browning: ‘Grow old along with me the best is yet to be’.
St Martin’s has seen many changes over the centuries. The spire was reshingled in 1988. Local children signed the shingles. Chapels were added to create a cross shape. The St Katherine chapel is now the vestry. The Lady Chapel dedicated to John the Baptist holds the only stained glass. The high altar doesn’t face east. The land slopes. The font is 15th century Kentish ragstone. It was moved in 1967. It features carvings. These carvings include a cross a crown of thorns and a tau cross. The church also features a collection of carved stone heads from medieval times.
The Lych Gate is a notable addition. It was erected in 1920. It commemorates Elliot Downs Till a local benefactor. The churchyard wall and lychgate were moved back in 1961. This was to make way for a pavement. Till’s grave is in the churchyard. St Martin’s Church isn’t just stones and mortar. It’s a living history. It’s a place of worship and community. It reflects centuries of Eynsford’s story. It’s a place where you can almost feel the echoes of past lives. The stories whispered by the very stones themselves. A treasure waiting to be discovered.