GRAVESEND DISTRICT
Religious Buildings & Areas
Some ghost members are said to be haunting the halls of ancient religious buildings and graveyards with their stories to tell, whether it is residual energy or Spirit.
Here is what has been found so far in the Gravesend District...
Trespassing remains to be considered for those seeking to visit a cemetery at night.
Private graveyards are off-limits unless you have the owners' permission. However, even cemeteries that are open to the public have guidelines that visitors ought to follow.
From listing their visiting hours online and in their offices to physically closing their gates, most cemeteries make it clear when visitors are welcome and when they aren't. In other words, it should be easy to tell when you're trespassing, even on so-called "public" burial sites. (And, it bears mentioning, if you find yourself hopping a fence or wondering whether what you're doing counts as trespassing, there's a good chance it does.) Either contact the cemetery's owner or caretaker to discuss visiting at night.
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If you find any missing information, hear of any reports of Paranormal Activity, have a story to share about any of the listed places that aren't reported here, or know of any that are not mentioned, please get in touch. Thank you.
DODE CHURCH
GREAT BUCKLAND, LUDDESDOWN, GRAVESEND DA13
Nestled deep within the picturesque north Kent countryside lies a small, ancient building, the last remnant of the once-thriving village of Dode (pronounced "Dowde"). This quaint church, steeped in history, was intriguingly constructed atop an artificial mound, adding an air of mystery to its surroundings. The verdant hill that envelops it is now called “Holly Hill,” a name that likely evolved from its original title, “Holy Hill.” A narrow, winding lane, known as “Wrangling Lane,” meanders its way to the hamlet and church, hinting at its storied past as a gathering place for ancient meetings.
In the 14th century, the sinister shadow of the Black Death swept mercilessly through the village, leaving devastation in its wake. The entire population either perished or fled in terror. The Norman church, an enduring symbol of faith, remained standing and was last utilized in 1349 by desperate villagers who sought divine intervention against the plague. With the last of the villagers gone and the hamlet deemed cursed, Bishop Thomas Trelleck (or Trilleck) of Rochester ordered the church to be deconsecrated in 1367. Its doors and windows were sealed with heavy iron shutters, leaving the sacred building abandoned, a silent witness to its community’s tragic fate.
Throughout centuries, the church stood empty, gradually succumbing to the ravages of time and nature until it caught the eye of a local archaeologist in 1901. Passionate about restoring historical sites, he lovingly repaired its crumbling walls and roof. However, tragedy struck again with his passing, and the building faced neglect once more. Although it technically remained under the nominal ownership of the Catholic Church—having closed its doors before the Reformation and never being transferred to the Church of England—it continued to deteriorate and faced vandalism. In 1990, the church found a new savior in Doug Chapman, a dedicated chartered surveyor who had devoted his life to preserving ancient architecture. After reading about the church and tirelessly searching for it, he finally found it when it came up for sale. He purchased the building and meticulously restored it, transforming it into a charming themed wedding venue where couples can celebrate their love in a medieval setting steeped in history.
The site is also surrounded by whispers of dark magic, with local legends recounting the rituals believed to have been performed on the church grounds and near a well that is now sealed. Archaeological digs have revealed evidence of Roman occupation in the vicinity, alongside a Bronze Age burial ground, further enhancing the area's enigmatic aura.
**HAUNTINGS**
The hamlet and church are reputed to harbor a haunting presence known as “The Dodechild.” This spectral figure is said to be a terrified seven-year-old girl, forever trapped in a nightmare where she is the last survivor in a hamlet decimated by death. Seeking refuge within the church's hallowed walls, she found not solace, but a haunting fate. When brave villagers from the surrounding area cautiously ventured into the ghost town, they discovered her lifeless body on the cold floor of the church, a tragic victim of her circumstances.
Legend has it that in the years that followed, the girl began to haunt the churchyard. Initially, her spectral form would manifest one Sunday morning each month for several years, later evolving to appear once every seven years. An 18th-century painting, depicting her as she now appears, graces the walls of a local farmhouse, breathing life into her haunting story.
An account shared on Hubpages tell of eerie phenomena waiting just beyond the church's threshold. Upon approaching the area, travelers report that their cars behave inexplicably—headlights flicker ominously, engines sputter, and radios devolve into crackling static. One particularly unsettling incident involved a young man who suddenly clutched the left side of his head and collapsed to his knees, claiming that something had seized him. Shaken to his core, he was driven home, feeling unwell and unable to continue on his own. To his shock, when he awoke the next morning, a striking streak of pure white hair had appeared down the left side of his head, precisely where he had felt the gripping force. Medical professionals, including his local GP and a specialist at the nearby hospital, were at a loss to explain this overnight transformation, leaving him with an unusual patch of colorless hair while the rest remained a dark, jet-black hue.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE.
ST GEORGES CHURCH
CHURCH ST, GRAVESEND DA11
The original St George's Church, a magnificent historic edifice, traces its origins back to 1497. Consecrated on April 2nd, 1510 by John Fisher, the bishop of Rochester, who was executed by order of Henry VIII during the English Reformation for refusing to accept him as the supreme head of the Church of England and for upholding the Catholic Church's doctrine of papal supremacy.
The church is dedicated to St. George and was established with specific stipulations to ensure it did not overshadow the existing parish church. Notably, a decree was set forth that no burials, baptisms, or other sacred rites could occur within its walls save for the consecration of the Lord's body, highlighting its unique role in the ecclesiastical landscape.
The church's significance grew after the catastrophic fire that engulfed St Mary's Church in 1529, leading to St George's designation as the new Parish Church in 1544. This pivotal moment solidified its importance within the community, serving as a spiritual beacon during tumultuous times. Among its most notable burials is that of Pocahontas, the famed Native American wife of John Rolfe, who was laid to rest beneath the chancel on March 21st, 1617, marking an unforgettable chapter in history.
Tragically, the church faced another severe challenge on August 24th, 1727, when a sweeping fire devastated Gravesend, inflicting extensive damage upon St George's Church. In response, the community embarked on a meticulous remodelling and restoration in 1731, striving to preserve the church's historical integrity while ensuring it could continue to serve its parishioners. Further renovations in 1892 enhanced its resilience, allowing the church to honour its storied past and accommodate the needs of future generations.
**HAUNTINGS**
In an intriguing account from the Gravesend Reporter in 2012, it was claimed that Princess Pocahontas's spirit lingers on the grounds of St George's Church. This assertion enriches the church's legacy, weaving an enigmatic thread into the narrative of Pocahontas and her deep-rooted connection to this historic site, inviting visitors and locals alike to ponder the mysteries of the past.