Eastry, St Mary The Virgin Church c.1965
Photo ref: E154014
Made in Britain logo

Photo ref: E154014
Photo of Eastry, St Mary The Virgin Church c.1965

More about this scene

St Mary's Church is a very good and sturdy example of norman ecclesiastical architecture. it is said that from the top of the church tower no less than 17 other churches can be seen. Legend tells that thomas Becket took refuge here for eight days in 1164 whilst waiting for a boat to take him to France from Sandwich. At nearby Eastry Court are to be found a network of underground tunnels; these may be old mine workings, but they give rise to much speculation.

Memories of Eastry, St Mary the Virgin Church c1965

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. These memories are of Eastry, St Mary The Virgin Church c.1965

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

Because we were paid we joined the choir. Boys were joined by girls in about 1959. It was a good education learning some beautiful music, reading psalms, plenty of moral direction and people to admire such as the organist, Bill Press, and the notable vicar Fred Cooper. We had choir practice on Friday evenings, and then two services on Sundays. Easter and Harvest festival saw the place festooned with flowers and harvest ...see more
The church also holds fond memories for me. As well as being born in Forge House some 60 years ago my family had lots of connections with the church. My sisters, brother and I were all in the choir - my brother being a cross bearer for a few years, I was the only one who became a bell ringer and loved it. My father was for many years the peoples warden and then went on to be the vicars warden until, ill health ...see more
My Dad was a member of the church choir here when he was a child. Gerald Fuller is his name but he left the village around the age of 16. His parents continued to live in Eastry with their other children, Hazel, Brian and Chris. Dad immigrated to Melbourne, Australia were he met my mother and had my sister Amanda and I. Amanda and I were fortunate enough to visit Eastry in 1985 and the feeling of family and ...see more