HISTORY
The church of St Martin, Ryarsh, is of Norman construction, first mentioned in the Textus Roffensis, which described an event in 1081. A few years later, in 1086, the church was mentioned in the Domesday Book.
As part of the Manor of Bishop Odo, half brother of King William I (1066-1087), the church was originally dedicated to St Lambert. However, St. Lambert’s feast day falls during harvest time and often coincided with the Ember Days of fasting and prayer. This was inconvenient to the local population, most of whom were involved in farming in some way. In 1448, the Bishop of Rochester, John Low, was petitioned for a change of name, and the dedication was changed to St Martin of Tours - whose feast day is celebrated on November 11th.
The church still has its original late 11th century chancel – how very small the church was in the days of Norman kings William I and William II. The nave was added in the 12th century. Both the chancel and the nave have an original small round-headed window on the north side. There is also some herringbone masonry visible on the north side of the nave in the external face. In the east wall are the visible remains (externally and internally) of the three original Norman windows (now blocked and replaced by the 15th century one). There is also a rare mid twelfth century Norman piscina - a stone basin used for washing holy vessels used during Mass or Communion services - in the south-east corner of the chancel. The piscina has a scalloped bowl and moulded rim.
The original two part church – the nave and chancel - was enlarged in the 14th century with the building of the south aisle and porch. It was further enlarged in the 15th century when the tower was constructed. In 1752, the south aisle roof was renewed. The church interior was restored in 1871/2, with new pews, choir stalls, screen and the tiling of the chancel. In 1885, the organ vestry was constructed and the organ installed.
The fine pentagonal pulpit was installed in the early 17th century. The carving on the modern millennium lectern matches the carving on the pulpit.
The porch retains the original 15th century roof with moulded wall-plates. The south door (formerly the outer door) from the porch into the church, still has its original large iron hinges. The stone flagstones under the door are worn away – proof of the thousands of pilgrims and worshippers who have crossed the threshold to enjoy the peace and tranquility of St. Martin’s.
As part of the Manor of Bishop Odo, half brother of King William I (1066-1087), the church was originally dedicated to St Lambert. However, St. Lambert’s feast day falls during harvest time and often coincided with the Ember Days of fasting and prayer. This was inconvenient to the local population, most of whom were involved in farming in some way. In 1448, the Bishop of Rochester, John Low, was petitioned for a change of name, and the dedication was changed to St Martin of Tours - whose feast day is celebrated on November 11th.
The church still has its original late 11th century chancel – how very small the church was in the days of Norman kings William I and William II. The nave was added in the 12th century. Both the chancel and the nave have an original small round-headed window on the north side. There is also some herringbone masonry visible on the north side of the nave in the external face. In the east wall are the visible remains (externally and internally) of the three original Norman windows (now blocked and replaced by the 15th century one). There is also a rare mid twelfth century Norman piscina - a stone basin used for washing holy vessels used during Mass or Communion services - in the south-east corner of the chancel. The piscina has a scalloped bowl and moulded rim.
The original two part church – the nave and chancel - was enlarged in the 14th century with the building of the south aisle and porch. It was further enlarged in the 15th century when the tower was constructed. In 1752, the south aisle roof was renewed. The church interior was restored in 1871/2, with new pews, choir stalls, screen and the tiling of the chancel. In 1885, the organ vestry was constructed and the organ installed.
The fine pentagonal pulpit was installed in the early 17th century. The carving on the modern millennium lectern matches the carving on the pulpit.
The porch retains the original 15th century roof with moulded wall-plates. The south door (formerly the outer door) from the porch into the church, still has its original large iron hinges. The stone flagstones under the door are worn away – proof of the thousands of pilgrims and worshippers who have crossed the threshold to enjoy the peace and tranquility of St. Martin’s.