Badlesmere is a small parish located in Kent, England. It was once a hub of thriving communities and was named after the Badlesmere family who rose to power in the early 14th century, but their fall was just as quick as their rise. Today, the village is home to the St. Leonard’s Church, which has a unique blend of medieval woodwork, box pews from the time of Jane Austen, and stained glass of the present time.
The church is a delight for anyone who appreciates ancient architecture. The church’s exterior may look modern and uninviting, but its interior retains its ancient heritage. The church has a long history, and its structure and furnishings are a testament to the community’s strong passion for preserving their heritage.
The area surrounding Badlesmere was once wealthy from agriculture and country estates. Badlesmere was known for its large and noble mansion, which was evident from the traces of its foundation found in one of the fields. The church was also located at a field’s distance from the road, and its proximity to the former mansion gave it a unique sense of belongingness.
Apart from St. Leonard’s Church, there is not much to see in the parish. The land in the eastern part of the parish is hilly and chalky, with poor soil covered in flints and rough woodland. Still, the parish holds a fair on St. Leonard’s day annually.
The history of Badlesmere can be traced back to the Domesday Book era. Odo, bishop of Baieux, owned the land which was then called Badelesmere. At that time, it was taxed at one suling, and the arable land was two carucates and a half. In the time of Edward the Confessor, it was worth sixty shillings, but its worth rose to four pounds in the survey of Domesday.
The manor of Badlesmere was granted to Hamo de Crevequer by King William I, who included it in his Crevequer Barony. The Badlesmere family, who took their surname from the manor, held it under the Crevequer Barony’s tenure, and the manor passed down to the famous Guncelin de Badlesmere in the 12th century.
Guncelin de Badlesmere accompanied King Richard I to the siege of Acon, in Palestine, along with his brother Ralph. The family also held positions of power in the region. Guncelin and his brother Giles de Badlesmere were both justices itinerant, which was a high honor in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Badlesmere family’s fortunes rose during the reign of King Edward II, but they fell from grace due to political intrigues. The family eventually lost their estates and holdings, including the Badlesmere manor.
Today, the St. Leonard’s Church is the only testament to the Badlesmere family’s historical importance. The church’s medieval bench ends are among the most notable furnishings, and the carving of the Trinity is frequently illustrated in the end of the chancel.
The church also has a fine Royal Arms of George I and a hatchment dedicated to the First Earl Sondes. The two west windows were created by Frederick W. Cole and depict St. Francis of Assisi and The Sower. The church consists of just a nave and chancel, and it retains its ancient heritage, proving to be a valuable addition to the region’s historical significance.