Religion was of prime importance in medieval Dartford. Religion influenced everything that people did and religious authorities
and institutions governed many aspects of daily life. The fear of eternal damnation and the hope of eternal bliss were the driving
forces that motivated all, lord and peasant alike.
In Dartford, the church owned land and properties; people paid
tithes to the vicar and could be summoned before the church courts for breaches of moral and ecclesiastical law. The resident dean
of Dartford was a powerful figure who controlled many parishes in North Kent and South East London. The most powerful people in the
town were the landowners, amongst whom were the Prioress of Dartford, the Abbot of Lessnes, the Bishop of Rochester, and the Guild
of All Saints were also very influential locally.
Regular maintenance and upkeep of the church property was an
expensive business, the cost being borne by the parishioners. In 1470 the church roof had to be re-covered with lead. Shortly afterwards,
the church tower was heightened. A document of 1453 confirms that the church administered its own cemetery sited right next to the
church building, and around about 1470, bells were hung in the newly heightened tower.
Prior to the Reformation, Holy
Trinity church had no seats or pews for worshippers. The congregation remained standing during services. At least four main altars
and other shrines decorated the church. The high altar was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Three additional altars were dedicated toSt Thomas of Canterbury, St Mary, and St Ann. Statues of the Virgin Mary and St Anthony occupied a prominent position. A niche known
as Sepulcher was used to display a crucifix during Holy Week. The front of the church was dominated by a large illuminated rood or
cross.
