All Saints’, Lydd – the Inspiration for Our 2025 Christmas Card
We’re delighted to announce that the image featured on this year’s Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust Christmas card is All Saints Church, Lydd, beautifully captured in a new watercolour painting by the Trust’s President, John Doyle MBE PPRWS.
John Doyle, an accomplished and much-admired artist, has perfectly captured the grandeur and atmosphere of this remarkable church. It is sometimes known locally as “The Cathedral of the Marsh”, though it vies for this title with another enormous church - St. George’s at Ivychurch, which is also well-worth a visit.
John Doyle’s painting reflects both the majesty of All Saints and its enduring presence in the small historic town of Lydd. Each pack of cards purchased helps to support the Trust’s vital work preserving historic churches across the Marsh - so your festive greetings also contribute directly to protecting this extraordinary heritage.
A Church Like No Other
Standing proudly above the flat expanse of Romney Marsh, All Saints Church dominates the skyline. At 199 feet long, it is the longest parish church in Kent, and its soaring 132-foot tower can be seen for miles around. Built to the glory of God and as a statement of local pride, it remains one of the most impressive parish churches in the country.
A place of worship has stood on this site for more than a thousand years, and fragments of ancient masonry remain visible within the church walls — the oldest surviving stonework on the Romney Marsh. This masonry is now widely believed to be the remains of a basilica, generally accepted as Roman rather than Saxon in origin. Eric Fernie, Emeritus Principal of the Courtauld Institute and a leading authority on Saxon architecture, has described it as “unlike anything Saxon”, comparing its layout to known Roman basilicas elsewhere in Europe.
RMHCT Council Member and tour guide Nick Hudd said, “It begs the question — who, in that remote place, would build a stone church in the sub-Roman era? I suspect it dates from the 3rd or 4th century. That raises a further question: is it the ancient chapel of St Martin, cited in the earliest marsh charters as standing on the estuary? I doubt we will ever know.”
Most of what visitors see today dates from the 13th century, when Lydd was a thriving town within the Cinque Ports Confederation, supplying ships to defend the realm.
Inside
Visitors enter through grand cathedral-like double west doors - a rare feature for a parish church, shared by only two others in England. Inside, the space feels cavernous, with soaring arches, great pillars, and a sense of light and majesty. Among its many treasures is a Neoclassical sculpture by John Flaxman, one of Britain’s finest artists, as well as medieval brasses, monuments, and a beautiful octagonal kingpost roof.
The church’s chapels and chancel contain fine examples of medieval craftsmanship, including stone altars and a rare double piscina carved into the wall, where sacred vessels were once washed. Every corner reveals a story of faith and artistry across the centuries.
Resilience and Renewal
All Saints has faced hardship and renewal throughout its long history. In October 1940, a German fighter bombed the church, destroying its entire east end. The community’s response was immediate - fundraising began at once, and by 1953, the church was fully restored and re-dedicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. A painting of the bomb damage, which was sent to Winston Churchill, can still be seen inside.
This spirit of resilience continues today through the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, which works to protect this and many other medieval churches across the Marsh for future generations.
A Living Landmark of Romney Marsh
Beyond its architecture, All Saints’ tells the story of Romney Marsh itself - from its days as a bustling Cinque Port limb, to its ties with smuggling and military history. During special open days, such as those organised by the Trust last September, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the tower across the open marshland and out to sea. Nearby, Lydd’s Town Museum and the Dungeness Nature Reserve offer further opportunities to explore the heritage of this unique landscape. For those unable to visit in person, it is now even possible to have a look around virtually.
Whether you come for its history, its beauty, or simply the peace of an ancient sacred space, All Saints Church, Lydd is a truly special place, now celebrated on our 2025 Christmas card.
A Work of Art and a Gift of Support
All Saints’, Lydd - our 2025 Christmas Card
Our 2025 card, featuring John Doyle’s painting of All Saints’, Lydd, is more than just a seasonal greeting - it’s a celebration of local heritage and the creativity that helps to preserve it. By purchasing a pack of cards, you’re helping the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust continue its essential work caring for the churches that define this remarkable landscape.
Order your cards today from our website and share the beauty of the Romney Marsh churches this Christmas.