• St Peter's Church, Sandwich
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The tower of St Peter's dominates the skyline of this town. The church's long and eventful history has moulded the character of the building. There was once a Norman church on the site and traces of masonry from this building can still be seen at the west end. The present church dates from the late 13th/early 14th centuries, when Sandwich was at the height of its prosperity, as one of the Cinque Ports (the five harbour towns on the south coast which in mediaeval times provided the king with ships and men in exchange for trading and other privileges). The mediaeval roofs, handsome Decorated windows, and the magnificently carved tomb recesses and effigies to local benefactors date from this period, reflecting the wealth and importance of the town and its people. In the 16th and 17th centuries Sandwich became a sanctuary for Protestant refugees from the Netherlands. You can see the Dutch influence on the design of the cupola of the tower and the gable of the vestry. The mediaeval vaulted undercroft beneath the vestry has recently been cleaned and can be viewed by arrangement. With few furnishings in the church, and clear glass in the windows, you can easily appreciate the impressive size and proportions of the lofty interior. A busy programme of events is held at St Peter's throughout the year.