Bapchilda village and a parish in Kent. The village stands near the L.C. & D.R., 1 mile ESE of Sittingbourne, under which it has a post office. It probably was the Saxon Bachancild, where Wihtred, king of Kent, in 694, held his great council for the repairing of churches. The parish comprises an area of 1081 acres; population, 347. The manor belonged to the Crown in the time of King John, and was then given to Chichester Cathedral. A small oratory stood by the wayside, as a resting-place for pilgrims en route to Canterbury, but has disappeared. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Canterbury; net value, £200 with residence. Patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Chichester. The church consists of nave, north aisle, two chancels, and a square tower, is principally Norman, but contains many parts in various dates of English, and is in good condition.
