History of English Martyrs

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A History of English Martyrs' Strood

Introduction History

The history of English Martyrs’ Church, Strood is a story of faith, growth, and dedication spanning more than two centuries. What began as a small Catholic mission serving a scattered community has gradually developed into a strong and vibrant parish rooted in the Medway Towns.

From the first humble chapel established in the late 18th century to the building of a permanent church in the early 20th century, generations of clergy, religious communities, and parishioners have worked together to nurture and strengthen the Catholic presence in the area.

Throughout its journey, the parish has faced periods of challenge, including wars, relocation, and rebuilding, yet each phase has contributed to its growth and identity. Today, English Martyrs’ Church stands as a living witness to the devotion, sacrifice, and unity of the Catholic community it serves.

This historical overview highlights the key stages in the development of the parish, showing how faith has continued to flourish across different generations.

The Foundation of the Parish

1798 – A small Catholic chapel was established at Old Brompton, serving the Medway Towns.
1863 – St. Michael’s Church was built in Chatham, expanding Catholic presence.
Early 1900s – The mission in Strood began to develop with support from the Sisters of St. Chretienne and Jesuits from Higham.
First Resident Priest – Fr. Spencer Borrow (d. 1921).
1910 – Land purchased in Hillside Avenue for a future church.
1919 – Growing Catholic population (4,000 Communions) increased the need for a church.
1922 –
- Strood became a separate mission
- New church built and blessed
- Parish hall (John Fisher Hall) established

Strengthening the Parish

1930s –
- Several priests served the parish
- Presbytery built
- Sacristy expanded
1939–1945 (War Years) –
- Development slowed during World War II
- Parish life continued under Fr. Coffey
Post-War Growth –
- Rapid population increase
- New housing developments
- Expansion of Catholic community
1950 –
- St. Justus’ Church built
- Mass centres established in Hoo and Grain

Expansion & Renewal

1952 – Fr. Francis Corley became Parish Priest and led parish expansion.
1954 –
- Historic church at Dode restored
- Dedicated as Our Lady of the Meadows
1957–1958 –
- Chapel built in Hoo
- Temporary church established in Grain
- Growth supported by industrial workforce
1960–1963 –
- English Martyrs Primary School opened
- Expanded due to increasing number of children
1962–1964 –
- Old church demolished
- New modern church constructed
- First Mass celebrated in Advent 1964
- 50 children received First Holy Communion
1964 –
- New liturgical changes introduced
- First Mass celebrated in the new rite

History of Holy Family Chapel, Hoo

Introduction History

The Holy Family Chapel, Hoo was established in the 1950s as a parish-led initiative to serve the growing Catholic community in the Hoo Peninsula and Isle of Grain. Built during a period of rapid post-war industrial expansion, it became an important place of worship for local Catholic families and workers, reflecting faith, community effort, and simplicity.

The early development of the Holy Family Chapel, Hoo began after major industrial growth in the area, especially the construction of the oil refinery at Grain between 1948 and 1952. This brought many workers, including Irish Catholic families, to the Hoo Peninsula.

During the early 1950s, the Southwark Travelling Mission established Mass centres in Hoo and Grain to serve the growing Catholic population.

By 1957, under Fr. Corley:

A disused army hut at Grain was converted into a temporary church
The village hall in Hoo became too small for Mass
Parishioners supported plans for a permanent chapel
The foundation stone was laid on 30 June 1957 by Mgr Canon Bernard J. Cahill

The Holy Family Chapel, Hoo was officially opened in 1958, becoming a permanent place of worship for the local Catholic community.

During this period:

The chapel served a growing post-war Catholic population
Built as a simple portal-framed structure with reconstituted stone exterior
Designed for practical parish use rather than decorative architecture
Continued to support workers and families in the expanding industrial region

In later years, the chapel continued to develop spiritually and structurally:

Statue of St Werburgh added in 1991
Interior enhanced with statues of St Joseph, Our Lady, and the Sacred Heart
Stations of the Cross installed in simplified form
Confessional area adapted within sacristy space
Continued use as a local parish worship centre

The chapel remains a simple yet important place of Catholic worship, reflecting community faith and post-war heritage in the Hoo Peninsula.

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