History of the Church

1080

The Church is built under the supervision of Bishop Gundulf, though an earlier church may have occupied the site in Saxon times.

13th Century

The chancel is rebuilt along with a new chapel, dedicated to St Thomas, to meet the needs of pilgrims travelling to Canterbury.

1235

Princess Isabella, sister of Henry III was married to Frederick II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

1313

With further extensions added to the building, the Bishop of Rochester (Thomas de Wouldham) visits the church to inspect the new window

1415

Henry V celebrated his victory at Agincourt, brought some 700 soldiers into the Church and led them in a Thanksgiving Service.

1422

Henry's body rested here overnight on it's journey from Normandy to Westminster. 500 Knights attended the candlelit service.

1470

Bells are hung in the newly heightened tower and the roof is replaced with lead.

1485

The fresco of George Slaying the Dragon is painted in the Lady Chapel (then St Mary Chapel)

1538

Becket's altar is removed and his festivals abolished as pilgrimages cease. Dartford is ordered to display a copy of the English Bible

1545

The Stampit Chantry in the Church is dissolved and the altar pulled down. The St George fresco is white-washed over (later to be rediscovered)

1574

William D'eath founded Dartford Grammar School in a room in the Church Tower

1626

John Spilman (local papermaker, knighted by James I) dies and is commemorated at the church with a tomb featuring effigies of himself and his first wife.

1642

The Church is used as an ammunition depot during the Civil War

29th May 1660

King Charles II passed through Dartford from Cobhamand the church bells were rung nearly the whole day.

1665

Samuel Pepys recorded "to Dartford Church to service" in his diary on 17th September.

1718

John Hudson was paid £34 17s for paving Holy Trinity.

1771

The first public street lamp in Dartford is erected outside the church, using colsa oil.

1773

A new gallery is built on the south side of the church after an increase in attendance.

1793

The church organ is installed and repairs and redecoration take place.

1831

Richard Trevithick, inventor of the Railway Steam Engine, later taken up by Stephenson, came to work in Dartford . There is a plaque in Trevithick's memory in the Church.

23rd April 1933

A Trevithick centenary memorial service was held at Holy Trinity Church

1997

Some £1.5m was raised to repair the church building and provide ancillary buildings including a Café, Counselling Service, and Community Hall

2000

To celebrate the Millennium, the Church was given a floodlighting grant, so even at night, the Church is a beacon of Faith.