Gillingham Church (St. Mary Magdalene), Kent, 7 April 2021. Built Late 12th/early 13th Century Norman but few remains of that period, now has a late 13th Century Decorated Chancel, 15th Century Perpendicular nave, aisles and tower, restored 1888-89 by A W Blomfield.

William Adams was baptised in the church in 1564, the first Englishman to land in Japan in 1600. Adams worked in Limehouse shipyards for many years and later served under Sir Francis Drake in the Royal Navy. In 1598 his experience resulted in him being appointed the Pilot Major of a Dutch expedition of five ships to India and the Orient.

Eventually, Adams’ ship – the only surviving vessel - reached Japan and he and just eight other Dutch survivors landed only to be imprisoned before execution. However, Adams avoided execution for himself and his shipmates by revealing his extensive knowledge of shipbuilding and gained the Shogun’s trust, who then forbad him to leave Japan! Adams became a key advisor to the Shogun, directed the construction of European-type ships and founded the Japanese Navy. Moreover, Adams gained the Shogun’s approval for the establishment of several Dutch and English trading factories in Japan.