Archaeologia Cantiana Vol. 14 -1882  page 18

Smarden Church by the Rev  Francis  Haslewood

SMARDEN CHURCH consists only of a nave and chancel, with north and south porches, and a square embattled tower at the west end, of three stories divided by strings, having large buttresses, and an octagonal stair turret, at the N.E., rising above the parapet.    It is dedicated to St. Michael, and popularly known as "The Barn of Kent," on account of the singular construction of its roof; the nave being thirty-six feet wide, without any side-aisles, and with no tie-beams to support it. Perhaps there is no building, of equal size, like it in the county; with the exception of some remains of the ancient Abbey of Boxley, near Maidstone, now used as a barn. The roof, formerly covered

Smarden Church: after restoration

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