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There was a Church here mentioned
in Domesday Book, 1086, and we learn from that priceless treasure
of Rochester Cathedral known as the Textus Roffensis, which was
compiled about 1120, that there is a list of Saxon Churches which
made payments for the consecration oil called "Chrism"
used in the rite of baptism, and among these is Readlega, i.e.
Ridley.
Ridley Church had always been in the Diocese and
Archdeaconry of Rochester, but in 1846 it was put in the new
Deanery of Cobham instead of in the Deanery of Rochester. It is
now in the Deanery of Shoreham and Archdeaconry of Tonbridge.
The Church is situated in the south of the Parish and
is dedicated to Saint Peter. It is of early Norman date and an
extension to the East was made probably in the 13th century, when
a small chapel was built to the north of the extended Church, the
blocked arch of which remains. The main evidence for the early
date of the |
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Church lies in its proportions which agree in
the main with most early churches of this type. This is confirmed
by a small window of definite Norman date high up in the north
wall. Most of the existing windows are 14th and 15th century. The
walls, much repaired and covered with plaster, do not help much in
the elucidation of architectural problems. In the middle ages the
building is believed to have been used as a lazar-house or leper
hospital. Within, the roof is supported by some fine old beams.
Although the Chancel Arch in thought to be about 700 years old,
the Chancel itself was rebuilt in 1855. There is one little bell
in the bell-cote which can be reached only by climbing a ladder.
The patronage of this Church and Manor belonged to
Roger de Leyborne (1210), whose descendant, Thomas, |
