Rights Managed > Historic England > Historic Images > The Victorian Age > The 1890s
Reculver Towers OP00671
Filename: op00671.jpg
Size: 5187 x 3630 (6.5MB)
Date: 7th April 2010
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: English Heritage Images
Job Title: Photographers
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Reculver Towers OP00671
RECULVER TOWERS, Kent. The remains of the west facade of St Marys church stands on the cliff at Reculver. The original 7th century church was built on the site of an abandoned fort. In 1809 most of the church was pulled down, but the 12th century towers, known locally as the twin sisters, were retained as a navigational aid. When the original spires were destroyed by a storm c.1819, they were replaced with similar shaped, open structures containing weather vanes (they were removed c.1930). Photographed by W and Co. between 1890 - 1910
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 2981173
© Historic England
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Reculver Towers, Kent: A Medieval Marvel Overlooking the English Channel This evocative photograph captures the enchanting remains of St Mary's church at Reculver, nestled on the edge of a cliff overlooking the English Channel. The site holds a rich history, with the first church believed to have been established in the 7th century on the grounds of an abandoned Roman fort. The photograph, taken by W and Co. between 1890 and 1910, showcases the west facade of the church, with its intricately carved stonework and the iconic twin towers, known locally as the 'twin sisters.' The original church, dating back to the 12th century, was largely dismantled in 1809, leaving behind only the towers. These structures served as a navigational aid for sailors, their distinctive silhouette guiding ships safely into the harbor. The original spires of St Mary's were destroyed by a storm around 1819. In their place, open structures with weather vanes were erected to maintain their function as navigational aids. These weather vanes, which adorned the towers until approximately 1930, can be seen in the photograph, adding a unique character to the already captivating ruins. The photograph, taken over a century ago, transports us back in time, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and history of this remarkable medieval site. The towers, standing tall against the backdrop of the sea and sky, continue to captivate visitors and inspire awe, serving as a testament to the rich history of Reculver and the enduring power of the English Channel.
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