St Martin's Field
Ashford Road
On this site at the corner of Ashford Road and Fairfield Road stood St Martin's, the oldest of New Romney's churches. It was built in the 10th century, but was in such poor condition by 1550 that its demolition was authorised by Archbishop Cranmer.
The field has also sometimes been known as Neames' Platt or Neames' Field after the adjoining Neames' Bakery which was situated on the corner of Ashford Road and the High Street.
The inscription on the sundial by Fairfield Road records that:
On the 5th April 1948 this land was presented for the use and enjoyment of the townspeople of New Romney by Alderman John Allen Wiles JP and Mrs Jane Elizabeth Wiles, Mayor and Mayoress 1945-1954.
Annual Guy Fawkes celebrations took place here until the 1960s. Fêtes and similar events are still held here occasionally.
In Summer 2000 a "human" sundial was constructed here by students from Southlands School to commemorate the new millennium. When someone stands at the centre of the sundial, they cast a shadow on an arc of stones in the ground which indicate the hour.
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St Martin's Field
