Coldred comes from the Old English ‘col’ meaning ‘coal, especially charcoal’ with ‘ryde’ as a ‘clearing’; therefore, a ‘clearing where coal is found or made’. The Domesday Book records Coldred as Colret.
Coldred parish church is dedicated to Saint Pancras, one of only 6 such dedicated in the country. The Normans built it in the 11th century, within the newly constructed Motte and Bailey castle which was built by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother to William the Conqueror. An unknown founder cast a bell in the 14th century, which split in two in 1939. The two cell church remained much the same for the next 500 years.
There was some restoration done by the Victorians.

The uneven ground around the church is the remains of the castle mentioned above, many Roman artefacts have been found in the surrounding area.

Coldred, at nearly 400 feet (122 m) above sea level, is one of the highest places in East Kent

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