Egerton: Church History and Countryside

Egerton lies on the crest of a hill range on the Greensand Ridge. Two defining aspects of the village stand out for visitors: the architectural history of St James and a landscape of public paths, fields and far-reaching views. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus more on historical details or on exploring on foot.

St James and Its Historic Traces

St James is a Grade I listed building with Norman origins. Several building phases can be distinguished in the church: the chancel, north chapel and north aisle date from the 14th century; the nave, south porch and west tower from the 15th century. The tower is over 100 feet high and visible for many miles. St James’s prominent location also makes the church a landmark visible from a great distance.

A chandelier adds a specific object to the building’s history: it was made in 1699 and donated to Egerton in 1856. The churchyard includes table tombs, oval gravestones and 18th-century gravestones featuring skulls, cherubs and hourglasses. St James also welcomes first-time visitors who wish to see the church; check visiting arrangements in advance.

A bowl barrow classified as a Scheduled Monument lies 350 m southeast of the church. Its mound is 24 m in diameter and rises up to 2.5 m above the surrounding ground. A tumulus described as a Bronze Age burial site lies on the Egerton Walk route. The village centre also offers a glimpse into local history: it was designated a Conservation Area in 1976 and includes 23 listed buildings.

Exploring Egerton on Foot

The national long-distance public footpath, the Greensand Way, crosses the upper part of the parish of Egerton and offers significant views across the Weald. Egerton also has around 40 footpaths and other public rights of way used by walkers, runners and dog owners. From public footpaths and open spaces, uninterrupted views extend to the Weald and the North Downs.

The Egerton Walk offers a different perspective: from there, views extend across the Great Stour valley to the North Downs. Near Egerton House, the Greensand Ridge offers dramatic views over the Weald below. This landscape is a fine-grained mosaic of small fields bordered by hedges and old trees. Ancient woodland, natural springs, ponds, ditches and grassy strips are also part of the landscape and provide habitats for a diverse range of wildlife.

More Historical and Culinary Connections

The history of the airfield is also linked to Egerton: RAF Headcorn was an advanced landing ground in the village. The RAF Headcorn War Memorial at Headcorn Airfield in Egerton Forstal commemorates those who lost their lives flying from the airfield between April and October 1943.

The Taste Of Kent Cookery Course, held in the commercial kitchen at Frasers Of Egerton, offers a culinary highlight. Please check availability and the minimum number of participants for the course.

Discover more destinations: Doddington, Langley, Kingsnorth, Lydd-On-Sea, Pluckley, Hamstreet, Rolvenden, Elmsted

For the broader travel overview: Kent.