[Misc] Favourite Sussex Churches

[Smirko]

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]

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*]

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]

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

 

[topbanana36]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Nitram]

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]

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

 

[Tokyohands]

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]

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

 

[jakarta]

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*]

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

 

[GT49er]

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]

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

 

[Yes Chef]

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]

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


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Fignon's Ponytail]

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!!