Monument record TQ 56 NE 250 - Possible former site of Anglo-Saxon Chapel

Research by Del Cook has suggested that the site of a former Anglo-Saxon chapel lies in the complex opposite the Jolly Miller pub in South Darenth (possible formerly called Chapel Farm). The Textus Roffensis of the early 1120s mentions a church or chapel in south Darenth which was a orignally a chantry chapel dedicated to St Mary. It was then used as a malt-house before being damaged by a fire.

Hasted also later wrote of "the hamlet of South Darent, once esteemed as a parish, and of much greater account than it is at present, the parish of Darent being frequently stiled, in antient writings, North Darent, in opposition to it; and in the Textus Roffensis, in the list of the parishes in this diocese, mention is made of South Darent, as paying chrism. Rent to the mother church of the diocese.

This hamlet lies partly in Darent and partly in Horton; in the latter there are still remaining the slint walls of an antient building, most probably formerly the church or chapel of South Darent, now made use of as a malt house. Near which is a large corn mill, and a little farther a handsome modern house, almost rebuilt, within these few years, by Mr. Thomas Williams, who now resides in it."

Although there is a building on the site on the tithe map (1840s) this had vanished by the time of the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map (1862-75). (2)

Ordnance Survey, c. 1840, Tithe Map (1840s) (Map). SKE58807.

<1> Del Cook, 2026, Notes supplied by Del Cook with regard to a possible Anglo-Saxon chapel at South Darenth (Miscellaneous Material). SKE58806.

<2> Textus Roffensis (OS Card Reference). SKE49840.

<3> Hasted, E., 1786, The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent: Volume 2, p494 (Monograph). SKE8061.

<5> Landmark, Ordnance Survey 1:2,500 map (OS 1st edition 1862-1875): Landmark Epoch 1 (Map). SKE30964.