The church is all that remains of a previously much larger religious community around Faversham Abbey which was established in 1147 by King Stephen and dissolved by Henry VIII.
Although the church itself was founded in the medieval era, the flying spire, known as a crown or corona spire, by which it is recognised dates to the 18th century - a period of prosperity for the town of Faversham. The church itself is much larger than might be expected and is reputed to be the second largest in Kent, after All Saints Church, Maidstone. This gives the church a distinctive acoustic and, unusually among parish churches, makes it large enough to hold a symphony orchestra for concerts. The interior was restored and transformed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, known for his St Pancras Station, the Foreign Office and many college and cathedral buildings, in 1874.
The painted pillar - a rare medieval survivor
Notable features of the church include the reputed tomb of King Stephen (the church is thus one of only a few churches outside London where an English king was interred), nationally important misericords in the Quire, a rare medieval painted pillar and a recently installed altar dedicated to Saints Crispin and Crispinian.
In 1950 it was listed Grade I by English Heritage.[8]
Music
The church supports a strong choral tradition with a choir of adults and children who sing Anglican Matins, Evensong and Communion. The current Director of Music is Ben Saul. The choir is affiliated with the RSCM and currently has three singers who hold the highest RSCM award, the Gold Award.
^The Parish Church of St Mary of Charity, Faversham : Built to InSpire. OCLC64451704.
^Barnes, Joanna (c. 2007). The hassocks. Faversham Parish Church. Faversham: Parish Church of St Mary of Charity. ISBN978-0-9555041-3-6. OCLC269432347.
^Agati, Luke (2002). William Flackton (1709-1798) : organist at Faversham Parish Church, 1735-1752 ; the life and times of a Canterbury musician. Faversham: Faversham Society. ISBN1-900214-28-8. OCLC49983781.
