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Bobbing Church
History Timeline

1100

Origins of a Church on the Hill

The first church in the village of Bobbing would most likely have been a chapel built in the 1100s for the Savage family, who also built the medieval Bobbing Court, of which the ruins are only just down the road from the church. It is likely this was a family chapel. Many of the later members of the family are buried in the church. The earliest evidence for Bobbing Church comes from a record of a tithe being paid to the prioress of Minster Priory in Sheppey in 1186.

1200

The North Aisle

The oldest part of the church standing today is believed to be the north aisle, in which the organ, toilet and hospitality area is now situated. It is thought that this was built between 1216 and 1230 as part of the building and re-building of many churches and cathedrals commissioned by King Henry III. In 1234, King Henry III gave the church and its tithes over to the Priory at Minster.

1300

The Nave and Chancel
The main part of the church as it stands now was likely to have been added in the 14th Century. The south wall of the original church was converted into pillars and arches and it is thought all of the windows were replaced at this time.

1400

1500

Bobbing Church of England School

The school, which was built in 1540 in the village was operated until 1835 and run by some of the ministers at the church such as Rev Franciscus Reynoldes who was village schoolmaster between 1607 and 1628. The School, which now stands next door to the church, was built in 1869 but has undergone significant expansion since this time.

1600

Titus Oates
Titus Oates was made priest of Bobbing Church in 1673. He did not remain in his post very long as he resigned after just six months for dishonesty and drunkenness. He moved to a church in Hastings but was later imprisoned before escaping and becoming a chaplain upon a ship. Bobbing Church records state that "Our minister is gone to sea". Titus Oates would later, in 1678, produce a conspiracy theory that the pope wanted to kill King Charles II and abolish the protestant church. He was arrested and imprisoned for perjury.

1700

1800

R. C. Hussey and Victorian Influence

In 1863, R.C. Hussey, a Victorian architect, undertook work on the church that was described as "non-essential" but, due to this classification, the work conducted is not well documented. However, the addition of the red and black tiling throughout, repairs to the pillars, and an uncovering of a carving of a French monk commissioning a deacon, which had been hidden for many years before, was recorded. Other additions were the current pews, the wooden reredos behind the altar table, and other general repairs were carried out at this time.

1900

Grade 1 listing

The building has Grade I listed status since 24 January 1967, more information about the churches listing can be found on the British Listed Buildings website

Joining with Holy Trinity Sittingbourne

On the 31st July 1984, the Queen agreed that Bobbing Church would move from being grouped with Iwade to be joined with Holy Trinity Sittingbourne. The two churches have been joined ever since.

2000

2004 Roof Repairs

In 2004 the church was closed for an extended period of time to do major repairs throughout the church. The roof was rebuilt, the carpets in the aisles were removed and the walls refaced throughout.

2016 Installing a toilet and kitchen

In 2016 work was completed to remove the pews from the north aisle and replace them with a brand new toilet, kitchen and hospitality area. The flexible space allows for the church to be used for many different events and provide safe and convenient access to an accessible toilet at our services and events.