We are delighted to be joined by author and historian David Castleton for a journey into the folklore, legends and curious stories associated with Britain’s churches and churchyards.

David is the author of Church Curiosities: Strange Objects and Bizarre Legends, which explores the unusual objects, traditions and folklore found in churches across Britain. His wider work explores the gothic, folklore, psychogeography and strange history, so expect an evening filled with intriguing stories and some of the more unexpected things you might encounter when exploring an old church. Buy his book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atlas-Gothica-Alternative-Curious-Destinations/dp/1035434385/

Before David’s lecture, join our host Vikki Jenner for September’s Church of the Month.

As summer begins to give way to autumn, Vikki will take us into the North Kent Marshes, following the Churches Conservation Trust’s 11.5-mile Walking in the Footsteps of Dickens route. Beginning at St Mary’s, Higham, we will make our way across this remarkable landscape to St James’, Cooling, whose windswept churchyard is famously associated with the opening of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations.

It feels particularly fitting for September: Dickens began writing Great Expectations in September 1860, and this month we will explore the real churches, graves, medieval survivals and marshland landscape that sit behind one of literature’s most atmospheric settings. Along the way, Vikki will show us how to look more closely at these historic churches and uncover some of the stories hiding in plain sight.

Explore the CCT’s Walking in the Footsteps of Dickens route here: https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/tourandtrails/walks/kent-take-a-dickensian-stroll-in-the-north-kent-marshes

Our churches cost on average £2,500 per year to keep them clean, carry out conservation work, conduct maintenance checks and ensure they remain safe for visitors to enjoy. Please help us keep these extraordinary buildings open by making a donation: https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/get-involved/donation