All Saints' church, Tudeley
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All Saints is located in
attractive countryside in the hamlet of Tudeley, near Tonbridge, Kent. It is
known worldwide for its stained glass windows by Marc
Chagall in memory of Sarah d'Avigdor-Goldsmid (d. 1963). The church
is also the home of the Tudeley
Festival, which specialises in authentic performance of early music.
All
Saints can be found just off the B2017 (the road running eastwards from
Tonbridge to Paddock Wood), set back from the road, close to the Tudeley Oak
pub. Postcode (for GPS users): TN11 0NZ. Click Directions to All Saints',
Tudeley to download detailed directions (Adobe PDF format). For a map,
click here. For opening hours and practical information,
please click here.
Apart from the Chagall windows, there are some interesting monuments in the
church. The Fane tomb, although sadly damaged, is a fine example of a
16th century memorial. It commemorates a former Sheriff of Kent, George
Fane (d. 1571). A brass in the chancel floor recalls Thomas Stydolf (d.
1457) with two dainty figures. Sarah d'Avigdor-Goldsmid's life and tragically
early death are recalled in a finely carved tablet by Will Carter. A
recent addition to the interior is a list of incumbents of Tudeley cum Capel
from the 13th century (when records began), the calligraphy being by Anna Rowley:
look closely for the subtle echoes of Chagall's work.
All Saints, Tudeley makes an excellent venue for chamber music. It is
used from time to time for concerts and recitals, particularly by the
well-regarded and imaginative Tudeley
Festival, of which Dr Stephen Coles is the Artistic Director. The church is
also used occasionally as a recording venue. There is a fine
single-manual pipe organ, installed in a newly-built gallery in 1990, thanks to
the Festival's fundraising.
A small hall adjacent to the church is named in honour of the composer Dr
Arnold Cooke (1906-2005), a long-standing resident of the parish. It was converted
from an agricultural outbuilding, with the aid of money raised from charitable
sources including the Tudeley Festival, Arts Council and National Lottery.
The lane which gives access to the church and hall passes the remaining
buildings of the former Church Farm (farmhouse, barns and oast house), which
are now four private dwellings.
Enjoy a Ploughman's lunch at All Saints, Tudeley on Saturday 28th June 2008.