St Mary's Arts Centre

A medieval church, renowned for its sense of space, St Mary's occupies what may be the oldest church site in Sandwich, where a 7th century convent was founded of which nothing now survives.  Early documents belonging to the church date from 1311. These and the church registers dating from 1474 are kept in the Kent Archives.  There remain substantial parts of a large Norman church, despite the town having been sacked by the French in the 13th and 15th centuries, an earthquake in the 16th and the collapse of the tower in the 17th. Sandwich St. Mary's Community Trust (SSMCT) was registered as a charity in 1997 and has made significant progress on improving facilities for the church's use as a venue for events.  As a music venue - this place is superb, incredible natural acoustics, beautiful architectural backdrop, enormous stage, comfortable seating for 300 people (no pews!) and no pillars to block your view. A really magical venue.  Accessible with a large level car park right opposite and a cosy pub/restaurant next door.

Its very easy to find.   From the Sandwich bypass A256, enter Sandwich on the Ash Road (A257) and continue forward for 0.8 of a mile - past a windmill on your left, over a level crossing, then you'll soon come across the church on the right hand side.  The public car park is directly opposite on your left.  Pay and Display.

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