Ancient Kent

Ancient Kent churches reopen after 650 years of abandonment

Two ancient churches, long abandoned due to the Black Death, have reopened together after more than 650 years. The churches, Dode and Paddlesworth, sit just 1.5 miles apart in Kent and once had thriving congregations until the plague struck in 1359. Dode church, reportedly the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Gandalf, was completely abandoned. Its bishop relocated to St Benedict’s in…