Swingfield can be understood through several clearly distinct themes: the history of the Order, medieval architecture, military use during the Second World War, and ancient chalk woodlands. The history of St John’s Commandery and the architectural features of St Peter’s Church offer different historical perspectives. Swingfield Advanced Landing Ground takes us into a clearly defined period of the 20th century; the woodlands turn our attention to flora and fauna.
The History of the Order and Medieval Architecture
St John’s Commandery, also called Swingfield Preceptory, was originally founded as a community for sisters of the Order. Their duties were to pray and care for the sick. The village’s history thus leads to a religious community founded on care and prayer. This historical focus differs from the architectural details that define St Peter’s Church: here, the story is about the establishment of a community; there, it is about the medieval form of a church building.
St Peter’s Church in Swingfield is a medieval church dominated by a massive tower dating from the 13th century. The porch reveals a later date of construction: it dates from the 14th century and has two medieval Mass Dials. These Mass Dials are sundials used to indicate the times of church services. The tower and porch thus mark two different centuries, while the sundials reveal a specific religious function. The church can therefore be viewed both through its architecture and in terms of how time was indicated in connection with church services.
The History of Swingfield Advanced Landing Ground
Swingfield Advanced Landing Ground offers a different historical perspective. The temporary military airfield was built as part of preparations for the Allied invasion of Europe. Later in 1944, units of the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm used the airfield for operations against shipping. Its intended purpose and its later use were two separate stages: preparations for the invasion describe the context in which it was established, while the operations against shipping place its use by the named units in 1944.
The airfield closed in 1945. After that, the runways and hangars were removed, and the site was subsequently used for agriculture. This sequence distinguishes the site’s military past from its later use.
Chalk Woodlands and Landscape Scale
The ancient woodlands on chalk soils around Alkham, Swingfield and Lydden are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The reason for their designation is their flora and fauna. Examples mentioned include lady orchid, green hellebore and the garden dormouse. The landscape theme thus extends beyond historic buildings to include the protection of ancient woodlands for their flora and fauna.
The difference in scale helps put the area into context: the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches from the white cliffs at Dover and Folkestone to the Surrey border. By contrast, the SSSI designation specifically refers to the ancient chalk woodlands around Alkham, Swingfield and Lydden. A wide-ranging landscape region and a specific woodland protection designation are thus presented within the same thematic overview.
Discover more destinations: West Farleigh, Dover, Longfield, Hoath, Doddington, Romney Marsh, Woodchurch, Chartham.
For the broader travel overview: Kent.
