as himself, and in the same year was instituted as Vicar of Bekesbourne. Like the Revd
John Toke his predecessor, he was also Rector of Harbledown. There he stayed for
twenty—five years until in 1846 he resigned on appointment as Rector of Bishopsbourne
(with Barham); which had always been a better—paid job! He also became a Six Preacher
in Canterbury Cathcdwal and for a time was Rural Dean. He died in 1859 at the age of 66
and was buried back in Bekesbourne churchyard. His widow lived on until 1875 when
she died aged 83. Their grave is marked in Bekesbourne churchyard by a massive stone
cross, now becoming somewhat eroded by the weather, on the higher ground south east of
the chancel.
So, what of Eden in his time at Bekesbourne‘? As a young man he was respons-
ible for the construction, in 1822, of a new and larger gallery at the west end of the
church, "for the purpose of providing more seating room therein". The contract with John
Pilcher, the local carpenter, was in the sum of £21. In 1825 he and George Gipps of
Howlctts each gave £5 for a new "Altar Piece". Then too, it was in his time that the
church tower was rebuilt in 1841.
Now here is another mystery! From 1820 to 1835 Eden took all the services at
Bekesbourne, lived in Bekesbourne and employed a curate in Harbledown. But from
1836 onwards he moved to Harbledown and employed a curate in Bekesbourne, only
coming back for the annual Vestry Meeting and to take some funerals. What, one
wonders, caused this change in the Edens’ lifestyle?
FRIENDS or KENT CHURCHES
SPONSORED BICYCLE RIDE
Saturday 9 September '95
10 am - 6 pm
Details from your local
church, or from:
Dr Muriel Hall
M2017” 842549 Support church buildings in Kent by
visiting them by bicycle or on foot
 , 50% of the money you raise through
 ‘ sponsorship goes to your own church,
fill/N , 50% to others in the Cormtry.
This is an interdenominational event.
l6