Faversham Parish Church

St Mary of Charity, Faversham Parish Church is one of the most immediately recognisable buildings in the town of Faversham in Kent. The spire dominates the town skyline and is visible for some distance.

The church is all that remains of a previously much larger religious community around Faversham Abbey which was established in 1147 by King Stephen and dissolved by Henry VIII

Although the church itself was founded in the medieval era, the flying spire, known as a crown or corona spire, by which it is recognised dates to the 18th century - a period of prosperity for the town of Faversham. The church itself is much larger than might be expected and is reputed to be the second largest in Kent, after Maidstone. This gives the church a distinctive acoustic and, unusually among parish churches, makes it big enough to hold a symphony orchestra for concerts. The interior was restored and transformed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, known for his St Pancras Station, the Foreign Office and many college and cathedral buildings, in 1874.

Notable features of the church include the reputed tomb of King Stephen (the church is thus one of only a few churches outside London where an English king was interred), nationally important misericords in the Quire, a rare medieval painted pillar and a recently installed altar dedicated to Saints Crispin and Crispinian.

The church supports a strong choral tradition with a choir of adults and children who sing Anglican Matins, Evensong and Communion. The current Director of Music is the composer, Steven Sivyer. [http://www.faversham.org/pages/standard.aspx?i_PageID=11962] The choir is affiliated with the RSCM and currently has three singers who hold the highest RSCM Award: the Gold Award.

External links

* [http://www.faversham.org/pages/standard.aspx?i_PageID=11105 Faversham Parish Church page on the Faversham website]
* [http://www.smc-choir.org/ Church Choir website]
* [http://www.faversham.org/pages/standard.aspx?i_PageID=11960 Services for the month]
* [http://www.faversham.org/pages/standard.aspx?i_PageID=11961 Pattern of services explained]
* [http://www.faversham.org/pages/standard.aspx?i_PageID=11962 Music at the Church]