C'est magnifique! Je les ferai tous!

Ride from Greenwich to All Saints Church, Yudeley, Tonbridge. This is the only church in the World that has all its windows in stained glass, designed by Marc Chagall. Train back from Paddock Wood (or cycle back). Apprcomately 33 miles.  For more details of this ride visit the clubs Spond page.

History of All Saints' Church, Tudeley

Tudeley has had a church since the beginning of the seventh century - it was one of only four in the Weald at that time. The earliest parts of today's church are the sandstone footings of the nave and tower, which date from before the Norman conquest. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book under Tivedale - one of its many name variants: "Richard de Tonbridge holds TIVEDALE of the bishop of Bayeux. It is assessed at 1 yoke. There is land for 1 plough, and it is there on the demesne and a church, and woodland (to render) 2 swine..." A list of incumbents hanging in the church begins in 1251, but most of the structure that can be seen today is from the 18th century. The brick tower dates from around 1765, as does the delicately marbled ceiling; the North aisle was added in 1871.

The windows were installed between 1967 and 1985; the east window was followed by the five north windows and two south ones, dedicated in 1974. The four chancel windows were the subject of some controversy, as installing them meant removing Victorian memorial glass. In 1985, however, the last four  Chagall windows were dedicated, their Victorian predecessors being relocated to backlit boxes in the vestry.