The Churches of Britain and Ireland

  East Sussex

East Sussex on Wikipedia.


Alciston. The dedication is lost. TQ 5058 0556. From an old postcard in Geoff Watt's Collection. Link. Grade I listed.
Alfriston, St. Andrew. TQ 5215 0301. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. A modern view, © Graeme Wall. Link. Grade I listed. The village also has a former U.R.C. (2021 Streetview), originally a Congregational Chapel, on High Street. Changes of signage seen on Streetview suggest it was closed in the later 2010's.  Its grade II listing (which has more photos, including the interior) dates it to 1801. It's now The Old Chapel Centre - link. TS 5208 0309.

Battle.
Beckley, All Saints. TQ 8426 2373. From a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection. A modern Streetview, from 2021. Link. Grade I listed. For the listed churchyard tombs see here. The former Methodist Chapel (originally Wesleyan, of 1840) is at TQ 8516 2395. It's Genuki entry says it closed in 1900, though this is contradicted by the Ordnance Survey who show it as still active at least as late as 1957. Genuki also says that it had a predecessor. It has a brief grade II listing.
Beddingham, St. Andrew. TQ 4449 0790. © Kevin Gordon. Link1. Link2. Grade I listed.
Bexhill.
Bishopstone, St. Andrew. It contains much of Saxon date including the south porch. A 12th century tomb slab, and the font. TQ 4724 0098. All © Christopher Skottowe (1963). Link1. Link2. The (very brief) grade I listing. The churchyard wall is also listed, at grade II.
Blackboys, Hope Strict Baptist Chapel on Lewes Road, to the S.W. of the village. Genuki says it was founded in 1875. Another view, and two interiors - 1, 2. TQ 5155 1883. All © Gerard Charmley (2016). The village proper has a converted (Wesleyan) Methodist Chapel (2024 Streetview), on Chapel Lane at TQ 5264 2085. The white building has foundation stones for 1924; the brick building is presumably earlier. This source dates the foundation of teh church to 1883, closing in 2006.
Bodiam, St. Giles on Levetts Lane. Originally a chapelry to St. James the Great at Ewhurst, most of the fabric appears to be C13, though there may be earlier work. Another view. TQ 7824 2619. Both © Carole Sage (2016). Link. A good history here. Grade II* listed.
Brede, St. George on Brede Hill. Another view, two interiors - 1, 2, the pulpit and font. A fine tomb is the resting place of Sir Goddard Oxenbridge, reputedly 7 foot tall, and hence the "Brede Giant". Two windows - 1, 2, the latter of St. George. TQ 8253 1827. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link. A good history here. Grade I listed.
Brightling, St. Thomas à Becket. The pyramid is the tomb of the one-time M.P. "Mad Jack" Fuller. TQ 6835 2101. From a postcard in Kevin Gordon's collection. A 2024 Streetview provides a modern view. Link. Grade I listed. See here for related listed features, including the pyramidal tomb.
Brighton.
Burwash, St. Bartholomew. Of Norman foundation, the tower dates from C12, the rest of the church is largely C13, but it was partly re-built and "restored" in the 19th. This was the parish church of the Kipling family, and there is a plaque to Rudyard's son, killed in WW1. Another view. TQ 6772 2475. Both © Carole Sage (2016). Link1. Link2. Grade II listed. Two chapels show on a map of 1878, both on the south side of High Street. Providence Chapel (Calvinistic) is/was set well back, accessed via a narrow alley. Aerial views suggest it may survive, but Streetview hasn't seen it, though the alleyway has, (to the right of the house with the blue door), in 2024. Genuki (which calls it Providence Strict Baptist Chapel) dates it to 1829-1944. TQ 6748 2466. The Congregational Chapel stood at TQ 6754 2472. It hasn't survived, and its site (access road and one adjacent house) was seen by Streetview in 2024. An old postcard of it can be seen here, which shows its date-stone for 1864. Genuki says it was closed in 1967 and demolished three years later.
Burwash Common, St. Philip. Two additional views - 1, 2, two interiors - 1, 2, the pulpit and font. TQ 6398 2365. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link1. Link2.

Burwash Weald, the house built on the site of a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. The chapel shows on a map of 1878, and was still active into the 1950's, at least. Genuki provides dates of 1843 to 1975, demolished about 20 years later. There may be a photo of it here, where it's just labelled as Burwash. TQ 6520 2322.
Buxted, St. Margaret the Queen, a little way west of the village proper. TQ 4859 2305. From an old postcard in Peter Wenham's Collection. A modern view, © Peter Wenham. Link1. Link2. Grade I listed. The churchyard war memorial is also listed, as grade II. In the village is St. Mary the Virgin, seen by Streetview in 2011. TQ 4997 2350. Link1. Link2. Grade II listed - dates it to 1886. The Methodist Church (2022 Streetview) is on High Street at TQ 4997 2341. Link. The history page dates it to 1907, and a map of 1931 labels it as Wesleyan.

Chailey, St. Peter, as seen by Streetview in 2024. TQ 3922 1934. Link1. Link2. Grade II* listed. The Free Church at South Chailey. TQ 3927 1717. © Geoff Watt. Link. Older maps show a Mission Hall standing by the road on what is now the Free Church car park, on its left side as seen from the road, about where the phone box is in a Streetview from 2024. TQ 3925 1716. The site (housing) of St. John at South Common, as seen by Streetview in 2024. Genuki dates it to 1895-1973, demolished 1970's - though the caption of a photo here says it was a conversion. TQ 3897 1747.
Cooper's Green, Five Ash Down Chapel, as seen by Streetview in 2024. It pre-dates a map of 1878, where it's labelled as Baptist Chapel (Calvinistic). It's dated here to 1784, re-fronted in 1896. TQ 4770 2370. Link. A map of 1899 shows a Mission Hall a little further north, at TQ 4767 2377. It (or perhaps the building which replaced it) is today used as the village hall - 2024 Streetview.
Crowhurst, St. George. TQ 7573 1234. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. A 2009 Streetview provides a modern view. Link1. Link2. Grade I listed. About a mile to the south on Chapel Hill finds Crowhurst Chapel (2023 Streetview) - it may have closed, as it doesn't seem to have an internet presence. Genuki has it as Pentecostal, in a former Methodist Chapel from 1991. As Methodist, it was originally Wesleyan, pre-dating a map of 1899.

Dallington, St. Giles. TQ 6577 1906. © Chris Emms (2011). An interior view, from an old postcard in Judy Flynn's Collection. Link1. Link2. Grade II* listed. The former Methodist Chapel to the north-west of the village, on Battle Road, has been disused for several decades (Genuki says since 1989). Older maps label it as Wesleyan. TQ 6542 1950. © Chris Emms (2011).
Denton, St. Leonard, and its interior. TQ 4545 0258. Both © Kevin Gordon. Another view, and the porch, both
 © Karel Kuča (2024). Link1. Link2. Grade II* listed. For related listed features see here.
Ditchling.

Eastbourne.
Etchingham, The Assumption of Blessed Mary and St. Nicholas. A C14 church on an earlier site, it was at one time surrounded by a moat. A further two views - 1, 2. TQ 7136 2621. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link1. Link2. Grade I listed. The war memorial is listed as grade II. A large scale map of 1909 shows a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on the north side of High Street at TQ 7110 2610. Genuki provides dates of 1900-1970. Whether the house (2024 Streetview) on the site is the converted church, or a newer build, isn't readily apparent.
Ewhurst Green, St. James the Great, largely of the C12 and C14. Three more views - 1, 2, 3. TQ 7956 2457. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link1. Link2. The very brief grade I listing, and for the war memorial, grade II. A map of 1898 shows a Mission Chapel (Congl.) set back from the north side of Ewhurst Lane at TQ 7945 2460. Its Genuki entry dates it to 1895, which must be when it was converted from a house into a chapel - its grade II listing dates it to the 18th century, as a house. It was still in active use at least as late as the later 1950's. It was seen by Streetview in 2011 - note the roof of a porch at the right. This source calls it Battle Congregational Chapel.

Fairwarp, Christ Church, and its porch. TQ 4659 2678. Both © Karel Kuča (2024). Link. Grade II listed. Two churchyard monuments are also listed - they can be seen here.
Fletching
, St. Andrew and St. Mary the Virgin. TQ 4290 2347. © Chris Emms (2011). Link1. Link2. Grade I listed. See here related listed features.
Folkington, St. Peter ad Vincula. TQ 5593 0381. © Kevin Gordon. Another view,
© Karel Kuča (2024). Link. Grade I listed.
Framfield, St. Thomas à Becket. TQ 4952 2030. © Peter Wenham. Interior view, © Gerard Charmley (2016). Link1. Link2. Grade II listed. Maps from 1899 to 1960 show a Mission Hall on the south side of the main road through the village, at TQ 4973 2048. Genuki advises that it was Congregational, supplies dates of circa 1895 to 1993, and that it was subsequently Bethel Gospel Mission. It survives, apparently converted to residential use, and was seen by Streetview in 2024.
Frant, St. Alban. TQ 5903 3566. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. A 2021 Streetview provides a modern view. Link1. Link2. Grade II listed.
Friston, St. Mary the Virgin. Older maps label it as St. James. TV 5517 9818. From an old postcard in Kevin Gordon's Collection.
Two modern views - 1, 2, both © Karel Kuča (2024). Link. Grade I listed.

Glynde, St. Mary the Virgin. TQ 457 093. © Kevin Gordon. Link.
Groombridge, St. Thomas the Apostle. TQ 5311 3685. From an old postcard in Geoff Watt's Collection. Three modern views - 1, 2, 3, all
 © Karel Kuča (2024). Link. Grade II listed - dates it to 1883. St. John the Evangelist. TQ 5306 3768. From an old postcard in Geoff Watt's Collection. Link. Catholic Church of St. Pius V (R.C.) on Station Road is a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, dated 1857, seen by Streetview in 2024. Genuki says it closed as Methodist in 1983. TQ 5306 3734.
Guestling, St. Laurence on Church Lane. Another view, the lich-gate, and its memorial plaque. TQ 85566 14479. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade I listed (tower only, which is Norman).

Hampden Park, St. Mary. Link. St. Joachim (R.C.). Both © Graeme Harvey.
Hastings.
Herstmonceux, All Saints. TQ 643 102. © Kevin Gordon. Link.
High Hurstwood, Holy Trinity. Two more views - 1, 2. TQ 4947 2649. All
 © Karel Kuča (2024). Link. Grade II listed.
Hooe, St. Oswald. Another view, and the sun-dial. All © Steve Bulman (2009). Link.
Hove.

Icklesham, St. Nicholas. © Geoff Watt. Link.
Iden, All Saints, Norman, with C15 work. Another view, and two interiors - 1, 2. TQ 91551 23752. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade I listed.
Iford, St. Nicholas. TQ 408 074. From a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection. Link.

Jevington, St. Andrew. From an old postcard (franked 1904) in Steve Bulman's Collection. Link.

Kingston, St. Pancras. © Graham Parks (2012). Link. Grade II* listed - link.

Lewes.
Litlington, St. Michael the Archangel (O). Curiously, Pevsner fails to give the dedication. TQ 523 019. © Dave Westrap. An old postcard view, from Reg Dosell's Collection. Another view, two interior view - 1, 2 - and the font, all © Steve Bulman (2009). Another view, © Elaine Saunders (2016). Link.
Lullington, Church of the Good Shepherd. One of the smallest churches in Britain, though only the remaining portion of a once larger church. TQ 5282 0306. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. Two modern views - 1, 2, and the interior, all © Carole Sage (2016). Link1. Link2 says the church was re-dedicated in 2000. The very brief Grade I listing.

Maresfield, St. Bartholomew. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. Link.
Mayfield, St. Dunstan (O). TQ 5865 2703. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. Interior view, and an iron tomb slab - note the reversed "7" and the "N" towards the top. © Judith Anderson (2009). Three further views - 1, 2, 3, all © Elaine Sanders (2016). Two more interior views - 1, 2, a monument, and the font, all © Karel Kuča (2007). Link. Grade I listed. Numerous tombs and headstones are listed separately - they can be seen here. Baptist Chapel on West Street and South Street. TQ 5849 2690. © Judith Anderson (2009). Link. Colkins Mill Church (Evangelical, previously Congregational) on Station Road. According to its Genuki entry it was originally Bible Christian, founded in 1825. TQ 5833 2696. © Judith Anderson (2009). Link. St. Thomas of Canterbury (R.C.) on Station Road, as seen by Streetview in 2019. TQ 5814 2690. Link. St. Mary and the Angels (R.C.) on St. Mary in the Fields, at TQ 5854 2683. It's shown on maps from 1931 to 1976, the latest available to me. Streetmap hasn't visited, so I don't know if it survives, and I haven't been able to find a photo of it.
Mountfield, All Saints, mostly C12, with a slightly later tower. Two additional views - 1, 2, and the porch. TQ 7348 2028. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade II* listed.

Newhaven, St. Michael. TQ 442 011. From a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection. Link. Christ Church, which stood on South Road, was demolished in 1969. From a photo in the Kevin Gordon Collection.
Newick, St. Mary. TQ 4216 2082. From an old postcard (franked 1911) in Steve Bulman's Collection. Two modern views - 1, 2, and the porch, all
 © Karel Kuča (2024). Link. Grade II* listed. A map of 1878 shows Zion  Baptist Chapel off Western Road, at TQ 4114 2138. It remained in active use into the second half of the last century. It since seems to have been converted to residential use, and was seen by Streetview in 2021. A map of 1899 shows a Mission Hall a  short distance to the S.W. of Zion, on Western Road at TQ 4101 2114. A map of 1959 doesn't show it to have been a place of worship at that time, but in a Streetview from 2008 it has signage as Newick Evangelical Free Church. That signage was removed sometime after September 2015, and the building was looking uncared for in 2024.
Northiam, St. Mary. Another view. TQ 830 245. Link. Northiam Unitarian Chapel, identified by Janet Gimber. TQ 823 250. All © Steve Bulman (2009).

Offham, St. Peter. TQ 401 122. From a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection. Link.

Peasmarsh, St. Peter and St. Paul on Church Lane. © Bill McKenzie. Two additional views - 1, 2, two interiors - 1, 2, a window, the pulpit and the font, all © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade I listed. Former chapel (now a private residence), © Geoff Watt. Janet Gimber advises that this was Wesleyan Methodist.
Penhurst, St. Michael the Archangel, on Penhurst Lane. Another view, and the porch. TQ 6943 1656. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade I listed.
Pett, St. Mary and St. Peter (1864). TQ 8729 1391. From an old postcard, in Reg Dosell's Collection. A modern view, © Carole Sage (2016). Link1. Link2. Methodist Church (1848). Two further views - 1, 2. TQ 86987 13937. All © Carole Sage (2016). Grade II listed.
Pevensey, St. Nicholas. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. Another old postcard view, this one from Reg Dosell's Collection. A modern view, © Stuart Mackrell. Grade I listed.
Piddinghoe, St. John the Evangelist. From an old postcard in
Paul E. Barnett's Collection. Link. Grade I listed.
Playden, St. Michael on Rectory Lane, which dates from the late C12. Two further views - 1, 2, and the interior. TQ 9202 2168. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade I listed.
Polegate, from an old postcard, Steve Bulman's Collection. U.R.C., formerly the Congregational Church. TQ 584  050. From a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection (posted 1907). Link.

Ringmer, St. Mary the Virgin. TQ 445 126. © Kevin Gordon. Link.
Ripe, St. Andrew. © Chris Emms (2011).
Robertsbridge, U.R.C., originally Congregational (1881), which Pevsner records, rather unkindly, as "truly horrible". Bethel Chapel (1842). Both © Steve Bulman (2009). Darvell Bruderhof, © Alan K. Taylor. Link.
Rotherfield,
St. Denys. From an old postcard (ca. 1910), Brett Jeffrey's Collection. One of Judy Flynn's old postcards was previously in the Unknown section - it was posted from Tunbridge Wells to Boscombe in 1905, and written on the back is "This photo was taken the day after our harvest thanksgiving." Interiors are always difficult to identify, so my thanks to Simon Davies for identifying this, and supplying the following confirmatory link. A modern view, the interior, pulpit and tester and the font, all © Elaine Sanders (2016). Justin Brice has told me that the church was burgled some years ago. One item stolen was a 1711 painting of an old windmill by Humphrey Fowle. As part of his researches into this mill, Justin is keen to find a photograph of this painting. Can you oblige? Link. Grade I listed.
Rottingdean, St. Margaret. From an old postcard (franked 1904), Steve Bulman's Collection.
Rye.
Rye Harbour, Church of the Holy Spirit (CoE). Memorial to lifeboat men. TQ 937 190. Both © Dave Westrap. Another view, © Steve Bulman (2009). An old postcard view, from Kevin Gordon's Collection. Link. Church Mission Room. Approx. TQ 940 190. © Steve Bulman (2009).

St. Leonards-on-Sea, Christ Church. From an old postcard (franked 1906), Steve Bulman's Collection. St. Ethelburga, built in 1929. From a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection. Link.
Salehurst, St. Mary the Virgin. Another view. Both © Steve Bulman (2009). Another view, the interior and font. The font was gift from Richard I, in appreciation of the local abbot's involvement in the negotiations for his release from captivity. All © Elaine Sanders (2016). Link.
Seaford.
Sedlescombe, St. John the Baptist (O). Interior view, and an angel. TQ 776 188. All © Steve Bulman (2009). Link.
Southease, St. Peter. The re-dedication is modern, as the medieval one was lost. TQ 423 053. From a postcard in Kevin Gordon's Collection. A modern view, and an interior view, both © Chris Emms (2011). Link. Grade I listed.
Stanmer, no dedication (CoE). © Bernard Hylands. Link.
Staplecross, St. Mark. © Steve Bulman (2009). Link.
Stone Cross, St. Luke. It post-dates a map of 1899. Another view. Both
 © Karel Kuča (2024). Link. A short distance north, in the hamlet of Blackness, is the site of a vanished Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, shown on on-line maps from 1899 until the latest available (1960). It has been replaced by housing (2021 Streetview). The National Archives references documents pertaining to the chapel for the years 1921-1982. TQ 6142 0476.
Streat, Parish Church (dedication unknown). © Graham Parks (2012). Link. Grade II* listed -
link.

Tarring Neville, St. Mary TQ 444 038. © Kevin Gordon. An old postcard view (card franked 1905), from Steve Bulman's Collection.
Ticehurst, St. Mary the Virgin on Church Street is largely of C14, but there is some fabric from the preceding century. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. Two modern views - 1, 2, the pulpit, font and East window, all © Elaine Saunders (2016). Another view (showing the recently added St. Mary's Room), and two interiors - 1, 2, all © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade II* listed.

Upper Dicker, Holy Trinity. TQ 553 099. From a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection. Compare with this modern view (and another) - note that the triangular hat on the bell cote has gone. © Steve Bulman (2009).

Wadhurst, St. Peter and St. Paul. From an old postcard, Geoff Watt's Collection. A modern view, the interior, and the font, all © Elaine Sanders (2016). Grade I listed. The former Methodist Church, built as Wesleyan in 1874. It is presently for sale. © Elaine Sanders (2016).
Waldron, All Saints. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. Another view, from a postcard in the Kevin Gordon Collection. Kevin advises that this church is also known as All Hallows. TQ 549 193.
Wartling, St. Mary Magdalene. TQ 6578 0917. From a postcard in Kevin Gordon's Collection. Three modern views - 1, 2, 3, and three of the interior - 1, 2, 3, all
 © Karel Kuča (2024). Link. Grade I listed.
West Dean (sometimes Westdean), near Seaford, All Saints. TV 5250 9969. © Dave Westrap. Link1. Link2. Grade I listed.
Westham, St. Mary, situated beneath the walls of Pevensey Castle. TQ 6417 0460. From a postcard in Kevin Gordon's collection, and another from Reg Dosell's Collection. A modern view, from a 2024 Streetview. Link. Grade I listed.
Westmeston, St. Martin. Another view, and the porch. TQ 3388 1364. All
 © Karel Kuča (2023). Link. Grade II* listed.
Whatlington, St. Mary Magdalene. Another view. TQ 7605 1822. Both © Steve Bulman (2009). Link1. Link2. Grade II* listed.
Willingdon, St. Mary the Virgin. TQ 5894 0246. From an old postcard in Steve Bulman's Collection. A 2024 Streetview provides a modern view. Link. Grade I listed. The village also has a former Methodist Chapel (originally Wesleyan) on Wish Hill and Spring Close, dated 1894 - seen by Streetview in 2024, apparently in residential use. It was still active at least to the later 1960's. Other Streetviews show that the church had changed hands no later than 2009, when it was Christ Church of Healing and Counsel, but they had gone by the time of the next Streetview visit in late 2010. TQ 5886 0208. A map of 1879 shows a Baptist Chapel on Wannock Lane at Lower Willingdon, at TQ 5823 0324. Genuki identifies it as Wannock Baptist Chapel, and dates it to 1851
, closing in 1972. It survives, in residential use, and was seen by Streetview in 2024.
Wilmington, St. Mary and St. Peter. Founded circa 1000 A.D., the first church was replaced by the present one in the twelfth century, the chancel of which served as the church for the monks of the priory. Two further views - 1, 2, the interior, altar, pulpit and tester, and the font. The modern window by Paul San Casciani incorporates some glass from one destroyed in a fire in 2002, as well as a phoenix rising from the ashes. He also designed the Millenium window. An early and rather crude carving is built into the chancel wall. Removed here from the outside wall of the church, it has been plausibly suggested that it represents the Madonna and child, but see also link1. The churchyard has a famous old yew tree, claimed to be over 1500 years old. TQ 5441 0428. All © Carole Sage (2016). Link1. Link2. The very brief grade I listing. The remains of the priory (C12). TQ 5438 0426. © Carole Sage (2016). Link. Grade I listed. Near the north of the village is the site of Congregational Chapel, at TQ 5458 0471. O.S. maps show it to have been built between 1878 and 1898, and was still active into the second half of the last century, but has since been demolished. Its site (the garage) was seen by Streetview in 2024.
Winchelsea, St. Thomas the Martyr. From an old postcard, Steve Bulman's Collection. Three modern views- 1, 2, 3 - all © Steve Bulman (2009). Link. Wesley's Chapel (Methodist). Winchelsea was the last place that John Wesley delivered a sermon, beneath a large ash tree, beside the old church. © Steve Bulman (2009).
Winchelsea Beach, St. Richard of Chichester (1935). Another view. The "Rhenish Helm" roof is unusual - see also Sompting in West Sussex. TQ 9157 1643. Both © Steve Bulman (2009). Link1. Link2 dates it to 1961-2, and mentions a predecessor church (a garage converted in 1935). This will be the place of worship shown on O.S. maps further south on Dogs Hill Road at TQ 9169 1624. All trace of it has gone - it stood to the right of the road seen here in a Streetview from 2024.
Withyham, St. Michael and All Angels. From an old postcard, Steve Bulman's Collection. Link.
Wych Cross. At first glance this church looks a bit like Whippingham on the Isle of Wight, but it isn't. Diana Bond had asked for  help in identifying it. Paul Smith has advised that Wych Cross Church, which was dedicated to St. Richard de Wych, although never consecrated, was built in 1866 and demolished in 1975.

 

 
 

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