St Michael’s is mentioned in the Domesday Survey, and sits near the summit of the plateau in which much of the parish of Playden is found.
The Friends of Playden Church is a registered charity dedicated to helping to maintain the fabric of the beautiful Norman Church of St Michael.
St Michael’s is mentioned in the Domesday Survey, and sits near the summit of the plateau in which much of the parish of Playden is found. The present building was constructed about 1190, and its spire is a landmark overlooking the Rye and Romney Marsh. The church is built of stone, has a tiled roof and an attractive cedar shingled spire, which is topped by a lead cross. It is thought to be an excellent example of the Norman, Early English style and comprises a chancel, nave, central tower, vestry and south porch. The aisles extend north and south of the tower.
Above photographs include church interior looking up the aisle, a carved oak screen dated about 1310. The church has seven bays and a band of decorated tracery which may have been part of the rood screen across the chancel.