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Consecrated in 1253

This thirteenth century ecclesiastical building was originally a mortuary Chapel with a nearby burial ground, during its long history it has been a store, farm barn, old forge, blacksmith and workshop.

At one time the chanting of monks may have been heard and the intonation of prayers, the Church is close to La Maison Dieu, and not far from the remains of Dover Priory, which forms part of Dover College. Its site was just outside the enclosed part of the old town, a short distance above Biggin Gate. The building consecrated in 1253 as a Wayside Chapel, and was probably used as a place of prayer by pilgrims who were setting out on foot or on horseback to kneel at the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket. The building is about 28 feet in length, by 14 feet broad with walls of rubble masonry two feet thick, with Caen stone quoins and dressings. It was consecrated and dedicated to St. Edmund, who was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1234 to 1240. Edmund whose surname was Rich was a friend of Richard Bishop of Chichester born 1197 at Droitwich. After some time abroad Richard became the parish priest of Deal. Whilst on a crusade in the south of England he went through Canterbury to Dover where he was taken ill lodged in La Maison Dieu, and on Refreshment Sunday March 30th 1253 performed the last public act of his life in this Wayside Chapel. In his final sermon, he said he had always longed before his last day that he should " consecrate one church at least in honor of Blessed Edmund." Next morning during Mass, he fell to the ground, and was carried to bed in La Maison Dieu, where he died, being buried in accordance with his wishes, in Chichester Cathedral.