[Misc] Favourite Sussex Churches

Smirko · May 10, 2021

There's over 500 Churches in Sussex, some go back to Norman times, some have historic links and famous people interred there. Some of my favourites are Berwick, Rodmell, Streat and most recently stumbled across Shipley Church of St Mary which has links to the Knights Templar.

What's your favourite and any recommendations of where to go?

Weststander · May 10, 2021

Hamsey Church, sitting on a prominent island in the Ouse flood plain, is interesting. Surprisingly large inside for a hamlet these days, from a time of intensive agriculture.

St Mary de Haura Church in the heart of Shoreham has a magnificent interior. 850 years of history.

*Gullsworth* · May 10, 2021

I reckon Petworth church would have been one of the most impressive churches in England if the massive spire hadn't fallen down, (taken down for safety reasons)all those years ago.

BN41Albion · May 10, 2021

I always enjoy a trip to Alfriston and sitting on the green overlooked by the church there. Beautiful walks from there too

topbanana36 · May 10, 2021

Norman Chapel on the grounds of ballifscourt in clymping, deconsecrated since 1952 but beautiful small church. Have afternoon tea for a very very special treat in the hotel after visiting.

Thunder Bolt · May 10, 2021

Henfield church, St Peters which goes back to the 8th century, and has a lot of connections to my Dad’s family.
Bishop Hannington, which also has lots of connections such as my parents marriage and my christening.

Gwylan · May 10, 2021

I have a special fondness for St Peter's in Preston Park as it's the church where my parents got married (and where I was christened) but the one I really like is the church at Sompting, one that's part Saxon. It's got a very striking tower and the interior is rather beautiful too.

Sid in the Sharknado · May 10, 2021

I assume from your mention of Berwick that you're aware of the murals there.

I have a soft spot for St Michael's in Newhaven, I like a nice white church interior. Having said that, the photos I've seen in adulthood bear little relation to the image in my head from the few times I was there as a child for carols or whatever.
I guess my mind has mashed a few church interiors together for those memories. Or perhaps it felt more impressive when I was 6.

The Clamp · May 10, 2021

Mary De Haura, Shoreham
The chapel at the West side of Preston Park. Beautiful.

Nitram · May 11, 2021

Gwylan said:
I have a special fondness for St Peter's in Preston Park as it's the church where my parents got married (and where I was christened) but the one I really like is the church at Sompting, one that's part Saxon. It's got a very striking tower and the interior is rather beautiful too.

Three medieval wall paintings as well which are worth seeing.

If interested in stained glass windows there are examples of Burne Jones at St Margaret’s Rottingdean, St Michaels and All Angels Brighton Montpelier area, and collaborations with William Morris at the Annunciation in Hanover.
St Barts ‘ The Ark’ off the London Road near Sainsbury’s is interesting. Italian artisans we’re bought over to do the marble and mosaic work on the altar and surrounding areas.
The Chapel Royal in North Street has a Victorian facade but the interior is Georgian and was built for the Prince Regent to encourage him to go to church publicly.

Harry Wilson's tackle · May 11, 2021

St Nicholas, Portslade. Was good when Hellaby was rev. Crazy name for a vicar, though.

Tokyohands · May 11, 2021

I find Coombes church at Coombes farm a very interesting place for such a small church, my imagination runs wild there for some reason.

Boys 9d · May 11, 2021

I'm not sure if this counts, the Chapel of Lancing College.

jakarta · May 11, 2021

The 3 St Mary's (Storrington, Sullington and Thakeham) all very old (Saxon/Norman).

Got hitched in Thakeham, go to Storrington on regular basis but favourite is Sullington, tiny Church up on the Downs in a Farmyard complete with effigy of a Crusader.

*Gullsworth* · May 11, 2021

St Giles Coldwaltham. Built in 1200 the tower is the original. Special to me because i was married there.

GT49er · May 11, 2021

Tokyohands said:
I find Coombes church at Coombes farm a very interesting place for such a small church, my imagination runs wild there for some reason.

Beautiful little Saxon church - magical.

dazzer6666 · May 11, 2021

St Giles, Shermanbury. Hidden away in a very pretty spot and dates from 12th century.

Yes Chef · May 11, 2021

St Mary's under the downs in Bepton. I had lunch in the shade there during a long lockdown ramble last summer. Beautiful and isolated

Chicken Run · May 11, 2021

My favourites are St Helen’s in Hangleton & All Saints Patcham.

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Fignon's Ponytail · May 11, 2021

Weststander said:
Hamsey Church, sitting on a prominent island in the Ouse flood plain, is interesting. Surprisingly large inside for a hamlet these days, from a time of intensive agriculture.

My wife's dad is buried there, and we visited it for the first time in years last summer while out on a walk. A beautiful little spot in the middle of nowhere.

Im not religious at all, but have always loved church architecture. I actually started planning a bike-packing ride last week, to take in as many Sussex churches as possible along the way, so this thread will come in very useful I reckon!!

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[Misc] Favourite Sussex Churches

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