[1] The building started life as the chapel for a hospital (dedicated to SS Peter and Paul called the Newark of Maidstone) for pilgrims crossing the river, travelling to Canterbury.

It was restored and enlarged in 1836-7 by John Whichcord Sr., was consecrated in 1839, and gained its own parish in 1840.

[1][2] The church was restored in 1905, when the north vestry complex was built.

[1] St Michael and All Angels Church, was built to serve Maidstone's rapidly expanding suburbs on the western side of the River Medway after St. Peter's Church was proving to be far too small.

St. Peter's Church was also a long way from where the new districts of Westborough and Fant were being built.