West Malling, encompassing parts of Kings Hill, with Offham is a United Benefice; the two parishes historically used to have separate patrons, for West Malling — being the Diocesan Board of Patronage, and for Offham — The Crown, represented by The Lord Chancellor.

West Malling is located just a few miles from the North Downs, with Maidstone to the East, Sevenoaks to the West and Tonbridge and Royal Tunbridge Wells to the South. The two parishes are close to Junction 4 of the M20, with easy access to the M25 and the M2. There are good road and rail links to London and the channel ports and rail link to France.

Within West Malling town centre Conservation Area there is an enormous variety of historic buildings, including Malling Abbey and St Leonards Tower (both built by Bishop Gundulf, who also built Rochester Cathedral and the White Tower of London). West Malling is a thriving commercial town with over 2,000 residents. There is a monthly farmers market in the High Street. The Old County Ground, formerly Kent County Cricket Ground, was the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ All Muggleton v. Dingley Dell cricket match in Pickwick Papers.

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Photo: Shani Hancock

St Mary the Virgin, West Malling

The Parish Church is located at the top of the High Street. The tower and the western part of the chancel remain from the original Norman church. In 1200 the nave and chancel were rebuilt in the early English style. In 1901 the Georgian nave was pulled down and the new nave was built.

The coat of arms of King James II is a remarkably lavish piece, finely carved in the style of Grinling Gibbons. The royal monogram J R I I can be seen on the bottom corners. The anchor commemorates the fact that as Duke of York, the King had been Lord High Admiral. The coat of arms was restored in 1966 and the original colouring recovered.

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Photo: Shani Hancock

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