News & Events Archive
Places of Remembrance
As Remembrance Sunday events approach on 8 November, the medieval churches of Romney Marsh offer places for reflection, remembrance and connection with the past. From wartime bombing and military service to memorials honouring those who lost their lives, these historic buildings preserve important stories of sacrifice, resilience and community. Through the generosity of its members, donors and volunteers, the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust helps protect these irreplaceable buildings, ensuring that their history and the memories they hold are preserved for future generations.
Weathering the Storms: Protecting Romney Marsh's Historic Churches
Recent storms across the UK have provided a timely reminder of the destructive power of the elements. For the medieval churches of Romney Marsh, exposed to centuries of wind, rain, flooding and shifting ground, the challenges of maintaining these remarkable buildings are ongoing. The churches survive today thanks to the generous support of our members, donors and volunteers.
Share the beauty of the Marsh churches this Christmas
The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust’s 2026 Christmas cards celebrate two remarkable churches and the treasures within them. By buying a pack, you can share something of the Marsh’s beauty with friends and family while helping the Trust support the care and preservation of these much-loved buildings.
The Marsh Churches and the Smugglers
The annual Day of Syn festival in Dymchurch celebrates one of Romney Marsh’s most famous fictional characters: Dr Syn, the respectable vicar of Dymchurch who, by night, becomes the mysterious “Scarecrow” - leader of a band of smugglers operating across the Marsh.
Created by author Russell Thorndike, Dr Syn may be fictional, but the world he inhabits has very real roots. For centuries, smuggling was woven into the life, landscape and folklore of Romney Marsh, and some of its medieval churches have fascinating connections to this illicit trade.
Above the Marsh: Climb the Towers of Lydd and Ivychurch
Rising above the flat landscape, Romney Marsh’s church towers have helped generations find their bearings, both on land and out at sea. Many people still use these familiar landmarks to navigate the winding Marsh roads. Their enduring presence owes much to the communities who care for them and to the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, which helps fund the costly specialist repairs needed to preserve these ancient buildings.
This September, Heritage Open Days offers a rare opportunity to climb two of these towers - at All Saints’, Lydd and St. George’s, Ivychurch - and discover the landscape from above.
Special events in the Romney Marsh Churches for Heritage Open Days 2026
Over half of the Romney Marsh Historic Churches are participating in Heritage Open Days 2026, which runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026.
With tours, talks and towers open, all for free, it’s the perfect time to visit these globally-important architectural wonders on Romney Marsh in Kent.
Special events are happening every day during the festival period, as part of England’s largest festival of history and culture.
The Cinque Ports and the Churches of Romney Marsh: Preserving a Remarkable Maritime Heritage
Long before England had a Royal Navy, the Cinque Ports defended the realm, bringing wealth and influence to Romney Marsh. That prosperity is still visible today in the magnificent churches that dominate the landscape. Following the recent Cinque Ports Conference at the Maison Dieu in Dover, we explore the remarkable links between the medieval ports and the churches they helped create - and why preserving this unique heritage matters more than ever.
From Fishing to Farming: A walk from New Romney to St. Mary in the Marsh
This scenic walk links the magnificent churches of St. Nicholas in New Romney and St. Mary the Virgin in St-Mary-in-the-Marsh, taking you through the peaceful grazing marshes that define Romney Marsh. Along the way, discover a landscape shaped by the sea, rich in wildlife, history and wartime heritage, before arriving at one of the Marsh's most picturesque villages and its welcoming historic inn.
Snave Thanksgiving service
Our annual Thanksgiving service is on Sunday 13th September 2026 at St. Augustine’s Church, Snave. All are welcome
Membership Fees to change in 2027 – Join or Renew Now
As outlined in the 2025 Annual Report and at the 2026 AGM, the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust has announced that membership fees for new members will increase from 1 January 2027. All existing members will continue to pay their current membership rate - it is therefore a good time to join the Trust, renew memberships, or upgrade to Life Membership.
A Successful AGM and Members' Lunch 2026
The Trust’s Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 16th May 2026 at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Newchurch, with guest speaker Sir Timothy Clifford.
Kent Churches Ride & Stride 2026
The Friends of Kent Churches Ride & Stride returns on Saturday 12th September 2026. Walk, cycle, or explore Romney Marsh’s historic churches while raising funds to support the preservation of Kent’s remarkable church heritage. Participants can visit churches across the county and help ensure these treasured buildings continue to be cared for for future generations.
JAM On The Marsh returns 8-12 July 2026
JAM On The Marsh returns to Romney Marsh 8 - 12 July 2026. Tickets are on sale now!
A magical way to experience the historic churches of Romney Marsh, events this year take place at St. Dunstan's Snargate, St. Nicholas' New Romney, St. Clement's Old Romney, as well as our neighbours St. Leonard's Hythe, New Romney Old School and The Assembly Rooms.
New churchyard path laid at St. Mary’s, East Guldeford
Visitors to St. Mary’s Church, East Guldeford, are now enjoying a greatly improved approach thanks to the successful completion of a new pathway project, part-funded by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust.
The Trust awarded a grant of £4,983 towards the relaying of the churchyard path, with additional contributions from the church itself and another supporting trust. This collaborative effort has transformed what was once a difficult and uneven route into a safe, accessible pathway for all.
Community events in the Romney Marsh churches
Across the Romney Marsh, our historic churches are brought to life by a wide range of events organised by local church teams and community groups. From talks and concerts to open days and seasonal celebrations, these events not only showcase the unique character of each church but many events also help raise vital funds for their care and preservation.
AGM & Members’ Lunch 2026
The Trust’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 16th May 2026 at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Newchurch, at 2:30pm.
The Members’ Lunch will be held at 12:30pm at Newchurch Village Hall.
Discover the Romney Marsh Churches This Spring
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to explore the Romney Marsh. As the landscape comes alive with fresh colour and longer, brighter days, our historic churches offer the perfect places to pause, reflect, and discover centuries of history and character.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend break, or simply passing through, a visit to the Romney Marsh churches is a wonderful way to experience the unique charm of this special corner of Kent.
£38,000 Window Restoration Completed at St Peter & St Paul, Newchurch
Essential conservation work to a south aisle window at St Peter & St Paul, Newchurch was completed at the end of November 2025, funded by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust at a cost of £38,000. The stone window frame had become badly cracked and increasingly unsafe. Without intervention, the deterioration would have worsened, posing risks both to visitors and to the historic fabric of the building.
Save the dates!
We are pleased to share advance notice of our key annual events. Full details and booking information will be available shortly, but we hope members and supporters will mark the dates in their diaries now.
A major stonework restoration project completed at Ivychurch
The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust has supported a major stonework restoration project at St George’s Church, Ivychurch, one of the largest and most significant conservation initiatives it has funded in recent years.