Badlesmere, Kent

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 51.233334
longitude= 0.866667
official_name= Badlesmere
population =
shire_district= Swale
shire_county = Kent
region= South East England
constituency_westminster=
post_town=
postcode_district =
postcode_area=
dial_code=
os_grid_reference=

Badlesmere is a village and civil parish in the Swale district of Kent, England, about five miles south of Faversham. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 111.The mediaeval church has a superb interior fitted with a complete set of Georgian box pews – a sanctuary of peace & beauty. The adjoining mediaeval castle was demolished long ago. It was once home to the great family of Badlesmere whose head, Bartholomew de Badlesmere, was one of the most powerful men in England during the reign of King Edward II [See Wikipedia item on him & the history of Leeds Castle] The quiet village green (known as Badlesmere Lees) lies off the main road between Faversham & Ashford.

The parish has been linked for many years with that of Leaveland, whose mediaeval church, though very different from Badlesmere, has its own charm. Its crown-post roof and a handsome 16th century monument to a local family survived the Victorian restoration. Both churches are well worth a visit.