Badlesmere is a village and
civil parish in the Swale district of Kent, England, about
five miles south of Faversham. According to the 2001 census
it had a population of 111. The church, dedicated to St
Leonard, is described as 'interesting as a small, quite
unremarkable church' which was not 'restored' in the
Victorian era. Its interior is 13th century and 18th
century. It has a complete set of Georgian box pews.
The adjoining mediaeval castle was demolished long ago. It
was once home to the great family of Badlesmere whose head,
Bartholomew de Badlesmere, was one of the most powerful men
in England during the reign of King Edward II. The quiet
village green (known as Badlesmere Lees) lies off the main
road between Faversham & Ashford.
The parish has been linked for many years with that of
Leaveland, whose mediaeval church, though very different
from Badlesmere, has its own charm. Its crown-post roof and
a handsome 16th century monument to a local family survived
the Victorian restoration.