https://htmail.bt.com/cp/applink/mail/LoadMessagePrint?cKey=142... From: afbarber@uk2.net Sent date: 15/03/2015 — 18:55 To: mmraraty@btinternet.com Subject: RE: BRIDGE CHURCH Thanks Maurice, l’m mystified about the email 'Undeliverable’ message and grateful for the 3 pictures of the pre-restoration church. l’m particularly interested in the old book please could you tell me its title and if the description continue overleaf? A question whilst l’m writing - will l see you at Committee or the talk? if so I'll bring the Bridge DVD along. Alan. From: MAURICE RARATY [mai|to:mmraraty@btinternet.com] Sent: 15 March 2015 10:46 To: afbarber@uk2.net Subject: Re: BRIDGE CHURCH Alan, I did get the message, though in an odd format. The widowed Mrs Gregory retired to Bridge Hill House. She endowed a small charity for the poor of Bridge which survived into the present century, administered by Peter Lawrence. When it was wound up I did ask for the books to come to BDHS, but they were obliged to go to the Cathedral Archive, I think, or possibly Maidstone. Here are three pictures of the pre-restoration church. M —---Original message———— From : afbarber@uk2.net Date : 14/03/2015 - 23:14 (GMTST) To 2 mmraraty@btinternet.com Subject ; BRIDGE CHURCH Hi Maurice, i sent this email out be got ’Undeliverable’ message so trying it singly and tagged. Alan From: Alan Barber [mai|to:afbarber@uk2.net] Sent: 14 March 2015 18:33 To: 'vyebridge1@btinternet.com'; 'sr.arw52@gmail.com'; 'dgilmour@freeuk.com'; 'joan.hill@virgin.net'; 'johnandrosemarycardy@tiscali.co.uk'; 'joy.bridger@gmail.com'; 'mmraraty@btinternet.com‘; 'Meriel_connor@btinternet.com'; "richros@hotmail.com' Subject: BRIDGE CHURCH Dear All, As you may (or may not) know there is scaffolding over the main west door to St Peter's Bridge. lt’s there because the knapped flint facing used by (Sir) Gilbert Scott in 1859-61 to ‘improve’ the church is becoming detached (spalling). 1 of2 16/03/2015 09:38 20f2 https://btmail.bt.com/cp/applink/Inail/i.oadMessagePrint'5?;IZey;142... Inside a stone records “This church was restored by Mrs Gregory of Bridge Hill”. From the Kentish Gazette we learn that this was “effected in the course of spring 1859 at the expense of Mrs Gregory, widow of Rev Edward Gregory and in pursuance of the wish of her deceased husband? A memorial stone inside Lower Hardres is inscribed “Sacred to the memory of the Rev Edward Gregory MA of Bridge Hill in this county and formerly curate of this parish obiit 9 July 1849 aetat 60 also Mary his wife who died on 27 March 1867 aged 79 years”. They and Edwards parents are all buried under a table tomb in the churchyard. Clearly repair work will cost mega bucks so at the same time l’m keen to find out more about the generous Rev Edward Gregory especially as his curacy at Lower Hardres does not seem to continue much after 1827. Also I'm trying to expand my sketchy knowledge of the pre and post the ‘improvements’ of the landmark building along with expanding a picture collection of the church. Any material you can share will be gratefully received Alan 16/03/2015 09:38