Smeeth comes from the Old English word ‘smiððe’ meaning a ‘smithy, metal workers
shop’; therefore, ‘smithy’..
Smeeth parish church is a Grade: I listed building, dedicated to Saint Mary the Virgin.
Construction first took place in the 11th century with extensions in the 13th century.
In 1799, Edward Hasted described St Mary’s as a ‘small building, consisting of two
isles and two chancels, having a low steeple shingled at the west end’. In 1881,
the Victorians carried out a considerable restoration including rebuilding the vestry,
and upper part of the tower.
