Church Micro 265 - Hoath Traditional Cache

The church of Holy Cross in Hoath near Canterbury is thought to have been built some time in the 13th Century. But unfortunately the ground around the church was not allowed to be used as a burial ground until 1303, during this time all the bodies had to be transported the church at Reculver (over 4 Miles.) There are three bells in the church tower two date to 1696 the other 1500. The church still has a regular Sunday service and is still used for Weddings and Baptisms.

Another more grim part of the churchyard is the grave of Richard Steed, this man was murdered whilst out walking in the fields nearby in 1863. The man found guilty of his murder Alfred Eldridge was later hanged in Maidstone. He was the last person to be hanged in the County of Kent. Steed's name is still visible on his headstone to this date.