The ‘hidden gem’ Kent church where every stained glass window has been designed by a famous artist

It is believed to be the only church in the world where every stained glass window has been designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall

Kent is renowned for its wealth of hidden treasures, ranging from breathtaking natural scenery to remarkable architectural wonders. Tucked away near Tunbridge Wells lies the peaceful village of Tudeley, which holds a remarkable distinction as the only church in the world where every single stained glass window was crafted by the celebrated Russian-French artist Marc Chagall.

At first glance, the modest medieval structure of All Saints Church appears relatively understated, yet its 12 striking deep blue windows attract visitors from far and wide. Behind their beauty, however, lies a profoundly moving story.

More than six decades ago, tragedy befell the family of Sir Henry and Lady D’Avigdor-Goldsmid, owners of the neighbouring Somerhill House, when their daughter lost her life in a sailing accident off the coast of Rye in East Sussex. In her honour, the bereaved parents commissioned Chagall to design a stained glass window for the church, as a lasting tribute to their beloved daughter Sarah.

Though initially reluctant, Chagall agreed to take on the project following a visit to the church, where he reportedly exclaimed in French: “C’est magnifique! Je les ferai tous”, which translates to “It’s magnificent! I will do them all.”

The creative inspiration behind Chagall’s masterpieces at Tudeley is believed to stem from Psalm 8, particularly verses 4-8: “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.

“You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.”

Across more than a decade, he painstakingly crafted the remaining 11 windows using watercolour. The only other Chagall-designed glass in Britain can be seen in a window at Chichester Cathedral.

Visitors have described the windows as “breathtaking”. One reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor: “We visited the church to see the Marc Chagall windows, having previously visited Reims cathedral and learned about his windows in this church. The windows were amazing. There is plenty of parking next to the church and there is plenty of information about the different windows and even a few items (books, postcards etc) to buy.”

Another said: “I had high expectations – I have loved Chagall’s work, especially his stained glass windows, for decades. But the church exceeded my expectations. It was a gloriously sunny day – and as I entered the church the main window (above age altar) seemed to fill the space with its glorious tones of blue, with red and yellow highlights. And each of the Chagall windows is well worth spending time with.”

A third said: “A hidden gem. Stunning stained glass windows by the world famous Marc Chagall. A place of beauty and serenity, highly recommended.”

After exploring the church, make your way to Tudeley Woods for a tranquil walk through the ancient woodland. The site is owned by the Hadlow Estate and managed in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The RSPB website underlines the remarkable biodiversity found within its ancient woodlands, noting: “The reserve supports several rare bird species including woodlarks, nightjars, willow tits and all three species of British woodpeckers.

“Other birds include tree pipit, nuthatch, tree creeper, Dartford warbler, blackcap and chiffchaff as well as sparrowhawk and kestrel. Tudeley Woods also supports many species of fungi and several orchids as well as wood ants, tiger beetles and dragonflies.

“Spring is one of the best times on the reserve, when carpets of bluebells and primroses appear in the woods. This is also the best time to see the increasingly rare and elusive lesser spotted woodpecker.”

Just a short walk from the church, The Poacher and Partridge provides a welcoming, family-friendly setting serving “traditional and gastropub-style dishes”.

Located on Hartlake Road, the pub features an open-plan restaurant, bar, terrace and garden. For those planning a visit to Tudeley, it’s easily accessible via a brief bus journey from Tonbridge.

Simply hop on the 205 bus service from Tonbridge Railway Station directly to Hartlake Road.

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