George Matthew Arnold & Dode Church

Many will know that George Matthew Arnold was an original member of the K.A.S. Towards the end of a long and active life Mr. Arnold acquired the small Norman church at Dode near to Luddesdown. At the time of his acquisition (1901) the church was in a ruinous state and during the early years of this century Mr. Arnold restored and re-roofed it at his own expense. His programme of restoration had very great regard to the original character of the building, and the church as a whole has stood the test of the last 85 years well, a tribute to both the original builders and Mr. Arnold’s work.

Almost 90 years to the day of Mr. Arnold’s purchase I acquired the church and a portion of its former land. The main fabric of the building is in remarkably good condition although obviously owing to its relatively remote situation acts of vandalism are a continued problem. Arnold’s door has been burnt off its hinges, the altar stone thrown down and damaged, and graffiti covers the internal walls. These items are currently being rectified and it is hoped that limited public access to the interior will be restored in the not too distant future.

The church and immediate vicinity seem to offer scope for some excavation and research, particularly bearing in mind the circumstances of the de-population of the Village of Dode as a result of the Black Death in 1348, since which time there have presumably been no interments or real interference with the site.

It is hoped that during the forthcoming years more will be learnt of this charming church and members will be informed of progress in this connection. Most of what I imagine is known has been published in Archaeologia Cantiana and in Arnold’s book ‘Dode in Kent’ but if any Member has information which may assist in my research with regard to either church or Mr. Arnold’s involvement, I would be pleased to hear from them.