Barfrestone is a small village known since the time of the Domesday Book, when the manor was owned by Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux. In 1076, the lands were then granted to Hugh de Port, whose descendents may be connected to the erection of this church end of the 12th century, that was a site on the pilgrim route between Dover and Canterbury. This small church is a masterpiece of Norman art and architecture.

The carvings here of the highest order, most probably the work of master carvers and masons, based in nearby Canterbury.


This relief is located in the church. It is surprising, because, while the stonevarvings here are usually of the highest quality, this work is not. The work is crude and not well executed.

However, it does tell a story. A person is looking at a scene in which a monkey (?) and a rabbit are carrying, or rocking, a baby rabbit