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St Michael, Smarden

Known as the “Barn of Kent” because of its exceptionally wide nave, St Michael’s is a remarkable village church with a fascinating history. Its unusual roof, built using intersecting timber beams known as a scissor-beam roof, is one of the church’s most distinctive features.

Inside, you can see early 20th-century wall paintings and the surviving stairs that once led to the medieval rood loft. The church has changed considerably over the centuries, reflecting the religious and social history of the village and the wider country.

The vestry and adjoining boiler house were originally built in 1814 as a schoolroom, adding another chapter to the building’s long connection with the local community.

Whether you are visiting Smarden, exploring the surrounding area or simply passing by, St Michael’s is well worth a visit. A souvenir booklet about the church is also available.