Ivychurch - (The burial ground on the Island)

General Details

Ivychurch in Kent lies between New Romney and Snave on one of the few main roads across the Romney Marshes . The name is derived from the Saxon for the burial ground on an island . Ie in ancient Saxon means island and ciric or circa means a burial ground. A Ciric is a circular Celtic burial ground raised above ground level, to keep the dead dry. The circular form is believed to be the celtic symbol of immortality. The later names given to the area show that the name has changed from Ie Circa to Ive Circa to Yve Church then Ivy Church.

The church has been used for smuggling as were most of the others on Romney Marsh. There is a legend that a church sexton told a rector that 'Bain't no service s'morning, Parson, pulpit be full o'baccy and the vestry be full o'brandy.

The church contains a curious sentry box called a hudd in which a parson stood while presiding over a funeral so that his bible and clothes remained dry.

The second world war saw the church being used as an ARP and Fire Post.

St George at Ivychurch is one of those churches supported by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust .

Views

The church on a clear winters afternoon glows with the sun's reflection.

The area all round displays the deserted areas of Romney Marsh , which is well worth viewing.

Services

Ivychurch in Kent has only a public house as a local service.

Trains can be caught from Hamstreet about 5 miles north which give access to Ashford and London.

The coast is nearby at Littlestone about 5 miles south.

Map

Ivychurch is shown as the red symbol on the map.

Nearby Villages
(click on symbol to see the village page)