St Nicholas Church
Lower Street
Leeds
Maidstone
Kent
ME17 1RL

St Nicholas Church is the historic Church of England parish church serving Leeds village and forms an important part of the history and character of the village.

The church is a Grade I listed building, with origins dating back to the 11th century, and has been a place of Christian worship in Leeds for many centuries.

The Castle Churches Benefice

St Nicholas Church forms part of the Parish of Leeds, Broomfield and Kingswood, which, together with the Parish of Otham with Langley, makes up the Castle Churches Benefice within the North Downs Deanery and Diocese of Canterbury.

For the latest information about services, worship and church activities, please refer to the Castle Churches Benefice or the Church of England's online church directory.

Church Contact

For enquiries relating to St Nicholas Church, including services and church activities, please contact:

Christine Oakland
Churchwarden and Treasurer
Leeds and Broomfield Churches

Email: [email protected]

A Brief History of St Nicholas Church

The Church of St Nicholas has a long and fascinating history.

A church was already well established at Leeds during the Anglo-Saxon period, with the present nave being only a little larger than the entire earlier Saxon church.

Following the Norman Conquest, substantial changes were made to the building. Most notable is the imposing 12th-century tower, which remains one of the church's distinctive features.

The building developed over several centuries and today contains architectural features dating from the 11th to the 16th centuries.

The Bells & Clock

The church tower has been at the heart of village life for centuries.

It contains a historic ring of ten bells, housed within an ancient oak frame. The oldest and largest bell, the tenor, dates from 1617 and was made by Joseph Hatch, a renowned local bellfounder.

The tower also houses a historic clock, another reminder of the church's long association with village life.

Inside the Church

St Nicholas contains many features reflecting its centuries of history.

The nave has a 15th-century crown-post roof, while historic memorial brasses are set into the floor. One commemorates William Merden, who died in 1509, and another Katherine Lambe, who died in 1514.

The church also contains an impressive rood screen, a finely carved wooden structure extending across the width of the church and separating the nave from the chancel.

A chandelier within the church was donated by John Saxby, who died in 1778, while the church organ was installed in 1833 and funded by public subscription.

The Churchyard

St Nicholas is surrounded by an extensive churchyard of approximately four acres, providing an attractive and historic setting for the Grade I listed church.

The churchyard contains many historic burials and memorials, together with natural meadow areas and seasonal flowers. It is particularly attractive during spring when snowdrops and narcissi provide displays of colour.

A public footpath passes through the churchyard, providing an important pedestrian route through this part of the village and towards the surrounding countryside and Leeds Castle.

Churchyard Lighting

In 2024, Leeds Parish Council funded and installed new lighting through St Nicholas Churchyard.

The project improved visibility along the footpath through the churchyard, providing a safer and more accessible route for residents and visitors using this important pedestrian link during the hours of darkness.

The scheme was designed to improve this well-used village route while recognising the sensitive and historic setting of St Nicholas Church and its churchyard.

Visiting St Nicholas Church

St Nicholas Church is situated on Lower Street, Leeds, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RL.

For information about church services, weddings, baptisms, funerals and other church activities, please contact:

Christine Oakland – Churchwarden and Treasurer
Email: [email protected]

Please note that St Nicholas Church and its churchyard are not managed by Leeds Parish Council. The Parish Council provides this information for the benefit of residents and visitors and has supported improvements to the churchyard, including the installation of the lighting scheme in 2024.