St Peter’s Church

St Peter’s Church. Historic Sandwich. Market Street has been the centre of Sandwich since Saxon times and from the 13th century was the town's fish market. Most of the properties are timber-framed with later frontages added in varying architectural styles. A one-time ironmongery store, 'The Golden Key' has some intricately carved figures on its facade, many representing this former trade., The unusual War Memorial, designed by Omar Ramsden, with its fine bronze of St George and the Dragon, pays tribute to the men of Sandwich who died in both World Wars, Korea and the Falklands., St Peters Church is believed to have been destroyed during a French raid of 1216, after which it was rebuilt by Carmelite Monks from Normandy. Most of the building is 14th century, though some Norman fragments remain. The south aisle was completely destroyed when the tower collapsed in 1661. The tower was rebuilt by Flemish refugees, using bricks made from the Haven mud and surmounting it with a Flemish-style cupola. The church is now in the care of the Redundant Churches Fund., The medieval practice of ringing the curfew bell at 8 p.m. is still carried on from St Peter's. This announced the time for geese and pigs it be turned out into the streets to consume household rubbish. The 5 a.m. goosebell warned householders to retrieve their animals before they were impounded., Thomas Paine, author of 'The Rights of Man' and one of the makers of the American Constitution, was married in St Peter's. He lived in New Street., In the grounds by the West Door, the medieval stone window is remnant from the St Thomas' Hospital which once stood nearby. From the churchyard can be seen the remains of the South Aisle and the rough patching up of the inside wall of the church., (French not transcribed)