In Newchurch, village history and memories of the Second World War sit alongside numerous walking and cycling routes around the village. Its historical themes range from smuggling to the airfield, while Route 2 of the National Cycle Network runs east of the village. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: would you rather explore Newchurch’s history or plan routes in the surrounding area?
The many layers of Newchurch’s history
Smuggling shaped life in Newchurch from the Middle Ages and reached its peak in the 18th century. This long timespan makes it an important theme in the village’s history. Today’s church, St Peter and St Paul, also has a long history: it was built around 1200.
A distinctive feature of St Peter and St Paul is the bend in its tower. It appeared after the ground beneath it subsided considerably; the final section of the tower was then added in an upright position. The church’s history thus connects a change in the underlying ground with a later phase of construction. Display panels in St Peter and St Paul also explain the development of Newchurch, agriculture, smuggling, the village’s role in the Second World War and local life.
The history of the windmill also has a clear turning point: in 1901, Newchurch Windmill ceased operating as a mill. Newchurch Tower Windmill was the only tower mill among six known windmills on Romney Marsh. This makes it a distinctive part of local industrial history, without implying that the mill operates today.
The airfield and other military history
Newchurch Advanced Landing Ground opened in 1943; flying operations ended in late 1944. Fighter aircraft based there provided air cover for the Normandy landings. Later, units based at the airfield intercepted V1 flying bombs. The history of the site therefore includes both its brief period of operation and the military tasks associated with it.
At the end of Newchurch, behind a small footbridge, there is a memorial with a view of the site of the Advanced Landing Ground. The former airfield site may include private land; the memorial is a landmark with a view of the site. Another chapter in the history of military technology predates the airfield: in 1924, 32 sound mirrors on Romney Marsh were controlled from Newchurch Hut.
Walking, cycling and the landscape
There are numerous walking and cycling routes around Newchurch. Route 2 of the National Cycle Network runs east of the village. Newchurch is also one of the villages and small towns visited by the Romney Marsh Circular Walks. Before setting out, check the current map of Route 2 and the route and conditions for each walking path.
Newchurch’s landscape also includes drainage ditches and dykes. They have remained almost unchanged for hundreds of years. This long history adds an element to the visible history of the village that is not tied to a single building or event.
Medieval remains nearby
East-northeast of Newchurch lie the Eastbridge Church Ruins. The standing medieval remains include tower and nave walls up to 8.5 metres high. This figure gives the maximum height of the surviving structures. Together with the village church, built around 1200, the ruins provide a second historical point of interest for anyone interested in medieval architecture.
Discover more destinations: West Farleigh, Headcorn, Marden, Pluckley, Sheerness, Barham, Lower Halstow, Goudhurst.
For the broader travel overview: Kent.
