Eynsford Things to Do

I just loved the look of the outside of this place, as you can see by the picture. I loved the idea of "motor pit, garage and stables", although there was no evidence of any of these that I could see. A reminder of bygone days.

Inside, the place has a modern bar with friendly staff.

I popped in here for a quick pint in the afternoon (the Five Bells observing afternoon closing in the old country fashion) and found a pleasant "olde worlde" pub with pleasant staff and friendly locals. Although I did not eat here myself, they obviously promote themselves as a food pub. there are some tables outside which would be nice in the summer for an al fresco pint.

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Standing right in the centre of the village, and dominating the skyline, is the church of St. Martin. On one of the days I visited, I was lucky enough to meet a local lady who showed me round the Church. I also invested £2 a very good little guide produced by the Farningham and Eynsford Local History Society.

Although exact dates are in dispute, the place was probably constructed between 1100 and 1135, and was dedicated to St. Martin of Tours. The heavy wooden door you can see in the second photo is the original one. I wonder how many modern doors will still be around 900 years from now.

Building and alteration continued in fits and starts for the next few centuries, with a tower being added along with other modifications. We certainly know that there were bells in the tower in 1555, as they are mentioned in an inventory of the time.

The font dates from the early 15th century, and you can still see the staples which held in place a locked cover. his, we are told, was to stop people stealing the consecrated water for "superstitious purposes". What they might have been, I have no idea.

This is a very typical Norman church, one of many in the area of their first influence in England, and is well-worth a visit.