Dymchurch

"DYMCHURCH, a parish in the liberty of Romney Marsh, lathe of Shepway, in the county of Kent, 4 miles N.E. of Romney, and 6 S. of Westhanger station on the South-Eastern line. It is situated near the coast, on the high road from Dover to New Romney, and had a charter granted to it by Henry II. Along the sea-shore is a massive artificial wall called Dymchurch Wall, which prevents the encroachment of the sea, and drains the land, which is marshy, but fertile. This wall extends about 3 miles, and is furnished with three sluice gates. The expenses attending its maintenance are defrayed by a rate levied on the district, which usually amounts to about £5,000 per annum. The bailiff and jurates of Romney Marsh, whose chief duty is the charge of the embankment, hold a court of session monthly in the New Hall. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Canterbury, value £125, in the patronage of the lord chancellor. The church, an ancient structure with a spire, is dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul. The register commences in the year 1637. The Baptists and Wesleyan Methodists have places of worship, and there is a National school. The charities produce about £20 per annum, exclusive of the bequest of £111 per annum for educational purposes by Timothy Bedingfield. Market day is every alternate Monday. A fair is held on Thursday in Whitsun week."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868 by Colin Hinson ©2010]