A Saxon Church probably existed here before the present church was built. The Domesday Book (1086 AD) mentions a priest at the manor of Landican of which Woodchurch formed a part.
A Norman Church was built on the site in the 12th-century. The simple stone structure forms the present nave, although it has been much altered to accommodate later extensions to the church.
The first Rector named on the sandstone tablets at the west end of the church is Ralph de Caldwell (1286), although recent research indicates that Hugh Domville of Brimstage was probably the first (c.1200).
In the 14th century. A chancel, south aisle and tower were added. The chancel and south aisle were cut through the original masonry, an arcade of four arches being formed in the south wall. From the nave crossing it can be seen that the chancel arch is slightly crooked and that the whole chancel is out of true with the nave. A “weeping” chancel is said to symbolize the head of Christ inclined on the Cross. The tower was refaced and strengthened in 1675 with massive stepped buttresses to the SW and NW corners.
19th century. Restoration work on the interior of the church was undertaken through the generosity of the Revd Joshua King (Rector 1821-1861) and the enthusiasm of his nephew, George Smith King. The 18th-century lath and plaster ceiling was removed, exposing the fine roof beams, plaster was stripped from the walls and the east end of the chancel renovated. George Smith King himself carved the decorative corbels on the ends of the oak beams in the chancel. It is said that he was still working on the nave when his bride arrived for their wedding! Sadly, George died shortly afterwards at the age 32 after being taken seriously ill at sea on the way to India.
This multi cache is not at the posted coordinates.
Look at the church information board and in particular the text in the top and bottom boxes.
For the Northerley coords use the text in the top box.
A = Number of occurences of the letter L
B = Number of occurences of the letter P
C = Number of occurences of the letter O
For the Westerley coords use text in the bottom box.
D = Number of occurences of the letter S
E = Number of occurences of the letter O
F = Number of occurences of the letter A
Check sum for final 6 digits is 17
The cache can then be found at N53 22.ABC W003 05.DEF.
Please be stealthy, handle with care and place back securely once signed.
If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look here
http://churchmicro.co.uk/
There is also a Church Micro Stats and Information page that can be found at
http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/index.html