After being shut for centuries due to the Black Death, old churches are now reopening.

For the first time in over 650 years, two ancient churches have opened their doors together after being forced to close due to the devastating Black Death. Dode and Paddlesworth, sister churches located in Kent just 1.5 miles apart, were once thriving communities until the plague ravaged the area in 1359.

Dode church, known for its stunning architecture that reportedly inspired J.R.R Tolkien's character Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings, was completely wiped out by the plague. Its bishop was forced to relocate to nearby Paddlesworth, where the church is now known as St. Benedict's. However, after decades of restoration work, the two sister churches opened their doors simultaneously last weekend, inviting visitors to take a historic trail between the two.

Douglas Chapman, the keeper of Dode church, shared that the restoration of the church has been a labor of love spanning several decades. He explained, "The churches used to be full, but not overcrowded, and people would often walk between the two in the North Downs." This joint opening was a first for the two churches and a significant moment for the community.

Local legend has it that after the plague, everyone in Dode had died, and within a few years, the only thing left was the church. Mr. Chapman, who purchased Dode church 35 years ago, spent the next decade clearing and restoring the building, which had been converted into a "drugs den" by its previous tenants. The church hadn't been used for official events or as a place of worship since its priest was relocated to Paddlesworth.

Despite rumors of a mass grave beneath or nearby the church, Mr. Chapman has refused to allow archaeologists to excavate the site. He admitted, "It was a labor of love. It had been locked up for over 600 years, and the roof had only been restored in the early 1900s. It was even being used as a 'drugs den' at one point." But with hard work and dedication, the church was brought back to its former glory.

The two sister churches, built in a similar style around 1100, are only a mile and a half apart and offer a scenic walk through the beautiful countryside. Dode church now hosts weddings, naming ceremonies, and other events, but it is no longer affiliated with one specific religion. Mr. Chapman stated, "We welcome all religions equally." The church was originally built by the Bishop of Rochester, Gundulf, who also constructed several castles in London and Kent. It is said that he was the inspiration behind J R R Tolkien's character Gandalf and was known for his architectural accomplishments.

Mr. Chapman shared, "Tolkien was a professor of Medieval history, and he would have been familiar with Gundulf's work. Some even believe that Gundulf may have been the inspiration for Gandalf himself. It's a shame Tolkien isn't here to confirm it." Dode church is open to the public once every six weeks, while Paddlesworth church can be visited upon request throughout the year. The joint opening of these two ancient churches was a significant moment, bringing together a rich history and a dedicated community.

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