'Great Inspiration' for Dickens

See the real Pip's Graves at St James' Church in Cooling

Charles Dickens drew inspiration for his writing from the world around him and the poignant 'Pip's Graves' featured on in Great Expectations are based on a row of child's graves at our church of St James' in Cooling, close to where Dickens lived. As well as St James', we also care for St Mary's in nearby Higham, where Dickens' daughter was married.

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  St James' Church, Cooling, Kent

  The inspiration for a dramatic Dickens tale. A church from our finest shortlist.

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  St Mary's Church, Higham, Kent

  A remote church on the edge of the Thames marshes