A visit to All Saints

I have always been interested in church architecture particularly that of parish churches. It seems to me that they not only embody the history of our nation but also contain a marvellous, virtually unknown, collection of art works. Knowing of my interest my wife recently gave me a Christmas present ‘England’s Thousand Best Church’ by Simon Jenkins. Over the last two years I have visited about eighty churches listed in the book. Whether I shall manage to see the full thousand is another matter.

As part of my quest I came to All Saints Maidstone recently on a dull Saturday morning to find all doors securely padlocked. However within half an hour the sun broke through the clouds and the doors were opened. I was made most welcome by the ladies on the Saturday Market stall (I can recommend the currant slices!). What an impressive church is All saints! It must have been even more before it lost its spire in the eighteenth century.

It was founded by an archbishop in the reign of Richard the Second and it’s unusual in the unity of style throughout. The fact that it was founded by an archbishop may explain the impressive steps up to the sanctuary and the need for four seats in the Sedalia. Did you know that it is reputed to be the widest church in England? I thought that the Victorian gothic-style reredos behind the alter was particularly impressive. The fifteenth century tomb of John Wootton in the south chapel is very fine and rarely do you see a memorial of this period with so much of the original colouring remaining. Even more intriguing is the seventeenth century tomb at the back of the north aisle. My book tells me that it was the model for John Donne’s tomb in Westminster Abbey – where Maidstone leads Westminster follows!

Two further points I would make:-

If you are thinking of buying Simon Jenkins’s book go for the paperback. The hardback version is very heavy for carrying around the country.

I always like looking at mediaeval misericords as they are frequently carved in the most elaborate way often with strange figures; one can imagine the monks of old, leaning against them during the lengthy services of that period so that they appeared to be devoutly praying. Luckily with our modern services they are no longer necessary. Your misericord showing a cook is justly famous. In one hand he holds a ladle and in the other what is possibly a three pronged meat-hook.

I thank you for the chance to visit your splendid church, I found it inspiring. My thanks also to the ladies on the Saturday Market stall for their warm hospitality. I shall be back to try the other cakes.

Gerry Keep

Paddock Wood

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