Bilsington Priory, St Peter & St Paul’s Church, and the 16 m-high Bilsington Monument are three distinct historical landmarks to explore during a stay in Bilsington. From the church, the view stretches across the Royal Military Canal and Romney Marsh. At the priory, the timeline runs from its foundation in 1253 to its dissolution in 1536. The walking routes described also have their own highlights, from the canal path to the old Saxon Shore Way.
Bilsington Priory: Priory History and Architecture
Bilsington Priory is a Scheduled Monument, number 1018877. The priory’s main buildings include a two-storey refectory range. A refectory is a monastery’s dining hall; the name helps distinguish this part of the building from the abbot’s and guests’ lodgings. These include a three-storey square tower. The priory church survives as an underground archaeological structure. The monument also includes an earlier medieval manor house.
Several building and usage histories therefore come together at this site: the refectory range, the tower of the abbot’s and guests’ lodgings, the church preserved underground, and the older manor house. The differences between the buildings make the priory a more multifaceted historical subject than a single date can convey. For your visit, it is also important to check the arrangements for visiting the private estate before you travel.
Church, Monument and Practical Information
The present building of St Peter & St Paul’s Church originally dates to the 12th century. The tower was added at the west end of the nave in the 16th century. From the church, the view stretches across the Royal Military Canal and Romney Marsh—a distinct landscape highlight alongside the building’s history. Access to the church is via a farm opposite Bilsington Monument; take care at the farm entrance.
Bilsington Monument is a 16 m-high obelisk erected in memory of Sir William Cosway. As a prominent landmark, it is also mentioned in the directions to the church. Services are held at the church on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Check the current schedule before you travel if you would like to plan your visit around a service.
On the private Bilsington Priory Estate, parking is to the right of the Edwardian clock tower and the stables. The path to the priory is paved. Check the arrangements for visiting before you travel. The nearest railway station to Bilsington Priory is Ashford International Station; check train connections in advance.
Canal Paths and the Saxon Shore Way
Old Way 12 descends from Bilsington to the path beside the Royal Military Canal, then continues east. As route details can change, check the current route before setting out. One walking route follows the canal path for a mile to Ruckinge Bridge; take the path conditions into account when planning. One route option follows a road uphill into the village of Bilsington. This gives you both a specific stretch along the canal and an uphill route into the village to help you find your way.
Bilsington Priory Estate is on the old Saxon Shore Way and offers afternoon teas. If you would like to include these in your plans, check booking options in advance. Roads in the centre of Bilsington have no pavements; bear this in mind when planning your walks. This lets you consider local historical sites, the canal landscape, and the walking options as distinct parts of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Newenden, Ide Hill, Westgate-On-Sea, Minster, Upchurch, Stone, Rolvenden, Saint MargaretĘĽs At Cliffe.
For the main travel overview: Kent.
