BONNINGTON

 

Tiny group of scattered dwellings on the edge of Romney Marsh, although it used to be big enough to host a post office, there never was an actual village of Bonnington! The equally tiny church of St. Rumwold now lies at quite a distance from the remaining houses, down a very narrow lane. It actually lies within the parish of Bilsington, which has its' own church, so it was 'given' to Bonnington. The church only has a capacity of around 100. Out the back is a very pretty view of the Royal Military Canal, including a wartime pill box. 

I was fascinated by this little organ - obviously manually-operated, as there's no electricity to the church. A kind gentleman called Mr. Peter Christie has pointed me towards the National Pipe-Organ Register, which has all the details of it. 

If you would like to know more, all the details are  here - NPOR

In the field behind the church, stands a stark remoinder that this wasn't always the peaceful place that it is now - a World War II pillbox.

St. Rumwold was a 7th. century child saint, of whom very little is known. He was reputed to have been born in Northampton, the son of the King of Mercia. He is reputed to have preached a sermon to his parents on his second day, and died on the third. 

The area had very strong connection to the Aldington Gang of smugglers. Although Bonnington is mentioned in the 11th century Domesday Book, little is known of its early history, other than the fact that for several centuries it was owned by the Knights Hospitaller. In the 19th century, smuggling was a significant activity in Bonnington, but this declined rapidly with the capture of the infamous Ransley Gang.

From at least the time of Queen Elizabeth I of England, if not before, an old oak tree known as the Law-Day Oak, has played a significant role in the governance of Bonnington parish. In earlier times, the Law-Day Oak provided the setting for the Leet Court to hear local pleas, and to this day the Bonnington Annual Parish Meeting is held under the branches of this ancient oak.

The churchyard is now the final resting place of entertainer Paul O'Grady. I hope that this will not mean an endless train of 'grave tourists', disturbing the absolute peace and quiet of St. Rumwolds