The Lost Village of Dode is a Norman church that looks almost exactly as it did almost 1,000 years ago

The Lost Village of Dode, DA13 0XF
01622 734 205 | www.dodevillage.com

A beautiful Norman church that looks almost exactly as it did almost 1,000 years ago, The Lost Village of Dode has floors covered with straw, while candles and torches that cast light on the scene. The interior of this structure would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from the time it was built, and the atmosphere and restful silence within are palpable.

Standing on an ancient, pre-historic mound overlooking the valley of Dode, this simple, two-cell Norman church is surrounded by meadows and woodland, which feature a wildlife pond and stone circle. Its walls are comprised of local flint, with its roof of Kentish peg tiles partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy, truly evoking the atmosphere of times long since passed. Tucked away below the church are two retreat cottages constructed in English oak in the 16th-century style.

Celebrate in style
Civil ceremonies take place in the church building, accommodating up to 40 loved ones along with the two of you. Blessings and handfastings are also permitted, either inside the building or among the grounds, particularly in the stone circle.

Receptions also take place inside the church and are laid out in a Medieval banqueting-style format with various options for catering, including a hog roast, a grazing-style buffet or high tea. Seating 42 guests, it also has options for music and dancing in the evening until 10pm. The Minstrels Gallery in particular offers a dramatic theatre with space for musicians and photographers alike.

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The venue is available from April to December for festive ceremonies.