At the heart of Tenterden stands St Mildred’s Church, a stunning medieval landmark with an imposing tower that defines the town’s skyline. Built over centuries from c.1180, the church continues to evolve, with recent improvements to heating, flooring, and lighting ensuring it remains a welcoming space for the community.
Nearby, St John the Baptist, Smallhythe, is a charming Tudor church built in the early 16th century, when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding port. Constructed from imported Low Country bricks, it replaced an earlier chapel destroyed by fire in 1515. Next door is Smallhythe Place, home to the Dame Ellen Terry Museum.
To the north, St Michael’s Church dates to 1863 and was built in what was once the hamlet of Bird’s Isle. Designed by G.M. Hills, its reredos features a cross carefully placed in the wall due to the era’s restrictions on altar crosses. Recent additions, including kitchen and toilet facilities, have made this little-known gem even more welcoming.
Together, these three churches reflect the rich history and evolving heritage of Tenterden and its surrounding villages.
