The article describes the small village of Badlesmere in Kent, England. The village has a long history dating back to the 11th century when it formed part of the possessions of Odo, bishop of Baieux. The village was eventually granted to Hamo de Crevequer and formed part of the barony of Crevequer. The manor of Badlesmere was held by the Badlesmere family, who took their surname from the village, and reached the height of their power in the early 14th century before falling out of favor with Edward II.
The article also discusses the village’s church, St Leonard’s, which is described as a beautiful ancient building. It features medieval bench ends in the chancel, with one showing a carving of the Trinity. The two west windows were designed by Frederick W. Cole and depict St Francis of Assisi and The Sower. Despite being a small and simple church, St Leonard’s is obviously a building that is cared for and loved by the local community.
The surrounding area was once wealthy due to agriculture and country estates, but is now becoming increasingly covered in concrete. Pockets of history, such as St Leonard’s Church, provide a tangible connection to the past and the lives of our ancestors. There is also a fair held in Badlesmere on St Leonard’s Day, which is now on November 17 due to the change in the calendar.
The article touches on the history of the Badlesmere family, including Sir Thomas Randolph, an eminent statesman in Queen Elizabeth’s reign, who was born in the village. Bartholomew de Badlesmere was by writ summoned to Parliament in the 3rd year of Edward II’s reign, among the barons of the realm. The barony of Badlesmere was later inherited by John de Vere, Earl of Oxford, before reverting back to the crown after the death of the fourth earl.
Despite being a small and often overlooked village, Badlesmere has a rich and interesting history. The beautiful St Leonard’s Church serves as a reminder of that history and of the importance of preserving our past for future generations.