Notes on the churches in the counties of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey/Sussex/Notes on the Churches I-P
137. Icklesham.—This church comprises three chancels, the tower being "in the middle of the north side." The southern chancel contains seven niches; the northern five and a piscina; there is a piscina also in the central or principal chancel. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 476.) From the description the edifice merits inspection. The vicar of this parish still receives an allowance from the Exchequer in consideration of the tithe of the land abstracted for the site of New Winchelsea. (Parry's Coast of Suss. 272.) Compare the Note on Winchelsea.
138. Iden.—There was an old mansion in this parish, called the Moat, supposed to have been the residence of the Iden family, one of whom slew the rebel, Jack Cade. The building has disappeared, but the moat can be traced. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 504.) (Val. Eccl.) describes here a chantry called Mote. "Cantaria de Mote jacens in parochia de Iden."
139. Ifield.—Under an arch on the north side of the nave of this church is a stone effigy of a knight in armour, cross-legged, of the time of K. Edward II; and on the opposite side another of a lady, both on altar-tombs, supposed to be monuments of Sir John de Ifield and his lady; he died A.D. 1317. (Cartwright.)
140. Iford.—The Domesday name, "Niworde," is sufficiently near to prevent hesitation in applying it to Iford. The ancient manor of Niworde probably included, as it is considered to have done, both Iford and Kingston; but in which of those two contiguous parishes the original church stood can, in that case, only be conjectured, though, it is likely, where the name has since remained.—The church of Iford is so carefully coated with plaster on the outside, and whitewash within, that the construction, or actual condition, of the walls cannot even be guessed at. The edifice comprises nave, central tower, and chancel. Of the latter the east window is closed, and the end covered by modern wooden panelling. The tower rests upon four arches, but whether or not the church ever had transepts does not appear from the present state of the building. Horsfield (Lewes, II, 141) states, that "the transepts are removed, and the arches filled up." Some of the piers have been much repaired, even with brick. The arches are lofty, and the western is adorned with mouldings, the inner one being half a "diamond frette." (Gloss. of Archit. pi. 81, ed. 1845.)—For a description of this Norm, church by the Rev. J.L. Petit consult Arch. Journal (V, 140, 141.) Iford church was given to the Priory of Lewes A.D. 1397 by Hugo, filius Golde. (Lewes Chartulary.)—"On the estate of Mr. Hurley, and at a short distance from his house, is a strongly built and very ancient wall, which has evidently been part of a large building. By some it is conjectured to be the remains of a Saxon temple, &c. Others, perhaps with no better reason, consider it the remains of some establishment connected with the Priory of St. Pancras, in Lewes." (Horsfield's Lewes, II, 139.)
Swanborough is a manor in this parish and the adjoining one of Kingston, the house standing in Iford. Much of the ancient mansion still exists, and well deserves examination, though it has been so greatly altered at various periods, that the original plan cannot be ascertained satisfactorily. The early attachment to the establishment of a chapel is attested by the mention thereof about A.D. 1200 in the charter of Seffrid II, bishop of Chichester, quoted below in the Note on Lewes; and the oldest portion of the buildings now standing may have been then erected, though appearing perhaps to be of a rather more recent date. The E.E. part of the mansion is on the northern side, still containing the principal rooms, to which part there are additions and alterations, both early and very late Perp., the latter temp. K. Henry VII or K. Henry VIII. What is yet called "the Chapel" is divided into three small rooms, with a flat ceiling, which conceals the ancient roof. But, though the outer wall is E.E., the insertion of Perp. windows, together with a large stone fire-place render it probable, that this room was, latterly at least, used as the hall, and the original chapel may have been placed still further eastward, and be now totally destroyed. At the west end of this portion, some distance below the apex of the gable, is the frame of a circular window, and beneath it that of an E.E. one altered to Perp. The roof is of similar construction to, but plainer than, that of Godshill church, Isle of Wight (Gloss, of Arch. pi. 78, 3d ed. 1840,) without tie-beams, the ribs having grooves for the insertion of thin boards, so slight that they would bend into the curve of the ribs; of which boards one still remains: this work is Perp., probably coeval with the first alterations in that style. Westward of the E.E. building is a Perp. addition, comprising, below, a pointed-arched communication to, perhaps, a quadrangle, and, above, a gallery, now a pigeon-house, approached from the ground by a newel stair, having originally had a door, at the bottom of the stairs into the original house, and another at the western end into buildings now demolished. There are two late Perp. low timber door-frames, one near the front door, the other in the kitchen, which last apartment contains, brought from elsewhere, a curious ancient, very massive, oak table, constructed to draw out to nearly double its usual length. The house being constantly occupied, most of the old features of the interior are concealed.
141. Iping.—As noticed in the Preface, (D.B.) in the description of this place mentions "church dues, circet, churchset," which were paid there, without actually declaring the existence of a church. In (Val. Eccl.) and to this day this church is joined with the chapel of Chithurst. Iping church consists of merely a nave. (Dallaway.)
142. Isfield.—This church comprises western tower, nave with south porch, a southern projection, being the Shurley chapel, and chancel. The general character is Dec., though there is one E.E. window, and some approach to features of that style, but the material being the sandstone of the country, the mouldings are coarser than they would be with a better stone, and therefore less easily recognised. In the chancel is an extraordinarily large piscina under a canopy, with Perp. ornaments added at the sides. Of this piscina the recess measures in height four feet six inches and a half, in width three feet one inch, and in depth thirteen inches. Adjoining the piscina, below a large window, are two plain sedilia, of which the sides are adorned in conformity with, though rather less richly than, the piscina. Westward of these is a small window with a transom. In the north wall is a tomb, which may have been the founder's, the canopy being cut off by the sill of a window above it. From the Shurley chapel a very wide squint, looking towards, not the altar, but, this tomb, suggests the idea, that the latter may have been used for the Easter sepulchre. The Shurley chapel contains several good specimens of linen panelling, which may be observed also upon a chest belonging to the church. Possibly the walls of the nave may be E.E., the chancel being Dec., but it is not easy to judge of work in sandstone.—At Isfield Place, now a farm-house, are portions of ancient brickwork, the remains of the castellated mansion of the Shurleys, which must have been of considerable extent; but those remains are not sufficient to admit of tracing the arrangement of the buildings. Connected with the old gateway, yet standing, is what may have been part of the offices, in which are several windows, the ascent to the upper story being the same formerly used.
143. Itchenor.—In (A.D. 1291) both "Esthychenore" and "Westechenore" are mentioned. East Itchenor is now included in Birdham, but was a distinct parish till the fourteenth century. (Dallaway.) It will be perceived, that both are named in (N.R.) also. West Itchenor alone appears in (Val. Eccl.), and in the present (Clergy List).
144. Itchingfield.—The tower of this church "is composed of very large blocks, or rather entire trees, fastened together with wooden bolts." (Cartwright.) Compare the notice of the "very curious" timber church of Greenstead, Essex, (Rickman, 163, 4th ed. 1835.) The "Hethyngfeld" of (N.R.) must, it is conceived, mean Itchingfield.
145. Jevington.—There can hardly be a doubt, that the "Jonniton—note, Gynniton," in the deanery of Pevensey, (of A.D. 1291,) and the "Jeryngetone" (of N.R.) must signify Jevington.—The church contains a trefoil-headed piscina. From the description the tower appears to be Norm. "In a stone chest in Jevington belfry was discovered by Sir Will. Burrell a figure carved in stone, representing our Saviour with a cross in his hand, bruising the head of the serpent; it is about two feet high; and is now placed in the wall of the belfry." (Horsfield's Suss. I, 286, 287.)
146. Keymer.—Is pronounced "Kȳmer," very nearly as the name is written in (A.D. 1291); see Clayton. This is a small church of chancel, nave, south porch, and west tower. The chancel is apsidal, like that of Newhaven not merely rounded at the extremity, but the curve commences from the junction with the nave. The chancel arch is round, the piers being square blocks of masonry, with abaci at the spring of the arch. One small Norm, window is visible, though closed; the others are Dec. insertions. The north door of the nave is closed. The tower, which with the rest of the church has been greatly patched and plastered, is in two stages, the lower Norm.; the upper, if not the same, is yet Tr. Norm. The top is a shingled cap.—Keymer is still a curacy united with the rectory of Clayton. (Clergy List.)
147. Kingston near Lewes.—The church of this place is mentioned about A.D. 1200 in a charter of Bishop Seffrid II. See under St. John sub castro, Lewes. The existing building, which has a disproportionally small tower, dates perhaps from about the beginning of the fourteenth century. In the village many stones may be observed, which have been previously used, and there was in my possession, brought from Kingston, a mutilated capital of Norm, character, apparently early, which may have belonged to a church.—Among the charters of William, third Earl Warenne, is a grant by Petrus Vicecomes of an acre of land at "Kyngeston"—we may presume this place—"ad ecclesiam faciendam—et tu Hugo vicecomes fac monasterium Si Pancratii saysiri ad opus ecclesiæ." (Chartulary of Lewes Priory.) Kingston and Iford vicarages form one cure.
149. Kingston By Sea.—The two churches are described in (D.B.) as in different portions of the manor. See the Note on Southwick.
149. Kingston near Ferring.—Great part of this parish, the church included, is believed to have been absorbed by the sea, the remainder containing only about four hundred acres of land. It is now, though nominally a rectory, annexed to the vicarage and parish of Ferring. The old register still exists, reaching from A.D. 1570 to 1660, after which last date there is no further entry; whence we may conjecture, that the church ceased to be used in 1661. The register is styled that of "the chapel" of Kingston. In the remaining portion of this parish, near the sea, the vicar of Ferring possesses about an acre and a half of glebe, in shape very long and narrow, which has been suggested as the possible site of the destroyed church, but no foundations nor vestiges of masonry are visible in the field, which moreover is separated from the road by another much larger inclosure, without any appearance of an ancient lane. A map of the early part of the seventeenth century places "Kingston chapel" in a line with land now existing untouched by the sea; and a similar entry occurs in Hondius' map of A.D. 1610, in Kip's about 1670, and Camden's. A tradition of the country points out certain rocks in the sea, below high-water mark, as the site of the old church; but this seems to be a mere conjecture. It is more probable perhaps, that it stood in the neighbourhood of the field above mentioned, where, on either side of the road, it is quite evident there were formerly several houses. A resident of Ferring almost an hundred years old (September, 1848) who has known the district nearly, if not quite, all his life, can give no traditionary information as to the situation of the church, or the date of its desecration; and it may be pronounced rather singular, that all knowledge of these facts should be completely lost in about a century from the period, when the building seems to have been still employed for sacred purposes.
150. Kirdford.—A.D. 519 Cerdic, founder of the kingdom of Wessex, or the West Saxons, is stated to have fought a grand battle with the Britons at a place, afterwards called, from this circumstance, Cerdices-ford. This is deemed to be Charford in Hampshire; but, unless the locality should be considered inconsistent with the incidents of the history, the spot may possibly be more correctly identified in Kirdford. However the latter name appears in (N.R.) as "Keuredeford." See the Note below on Plaistow.—"In this parish," Kirdford, "are found excellent quarries of the Sussex, or, as it is more commonly called, Petworth marble." (Horsfield's Suss. II, 184.)
151. Lamberhurst.—The church and great part of the street of this village are in Kent, in which county accordingly it is included; but the principal portion of the land is stated, by Horsfield (Suss. I, 410), to lie in Sussex. In this parish was one of the last worked of all the iron-furnaces, once numerous in the county (there were some also in Surrey), as the "Furnace Ponds," deposits of furnace-cinders, and still existing names testify, until the decrease and clearness of the wood, the only available fuel, rendered the ironmasters of Sussex unable to compete with the rival establishments in the coal districts. It is perhaps not generally known, that the iron railings round St. Paul's Cathedral were cast at Lamberhurst; which fact Horsfield (in his Sussex) quotes from Amsink (Tonbridge Wells). Cannon were formerly cast at the Lamberhurst furnace, which was noted for the excellence of the metal it turned out.
152. Lancing.—It may be admitted a probable conjecture perhaps, that this place derives its name from Wlencing, one of the sons of Ælle or Ella, the founder of the kingdom of the South Saxons.—A tessellated pavement, foundations of buildings, a bath, coins, and interments were discovered on Lancing Down A.D. 1828; the whole however were dug up and destroyed by the proprietor of the ground. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 207.)
153. Laughton.—The church comprises chancel, nave, south porch, and western tower. The former has been rebuilt within a short period. The nave walls, retaining three E.E. windows, appear to be late in that style. The other windows are of two lights, trefoil ogée-headed, under square hoods, of Perp. character, but with some Dec. features: these must be insertions. A peculiarity is, that of one window on each side of the nave, corresponding in position, the hood moulding has no return, and that one end of each, which alone is perfect, terminates in an ornament resembling one belonging to the E.E. style. A north door is bricked up. The chancel and tower arches are very massive, the latter very lofty; the usual characteristic of the square Perp. towers of the district. Though the tower has ogée-headed windows, it is later than and inferior to that in the adjoining parish of East Hoathly; which tower has similar windows. The porch is modern, of wood; but a weather moulding remaining in the wall shows, that there had been an older one. The west window in the tower is Perp. The hood of the west door finishes in the Pelham buckle.
Laughton Place, a castellated mansion of brick, erected by Sir Will. Pelham, A.D. 1534, is now a farm-house. (Horsfield's Lew. II, 157.) Halland House, an ancient residence of the Pelham family, stands upon the boundary of the parish, partly in East Hoathly. (Horsfield.)
154. Lavant.—This name, not Woollavington as supposed by Dallaway, is intended by the "Loventone" of (D.B.); it being described as in "Silletone," that is Singleton, hundred, whereas Woollavington is in that of Rotherbridge.
East Lavant—Church contains a gravestone with a cross upon it, and an inscription "in the Longobardic character." (Dallaway.)
155. Lavant, Mid.—This place is presumed to be the "Ecclia de Middlonence," in Boxgrove deanery, of (A.D. 1291). The church was originally very small. The only ancient windows remaining are two lancets in the chancel, and a very small round-headed one in the south wall of the nave, of which the frame seems not to have been intended to receive glass. Some paintings upon the wall were recently discovered, apparently of two different dates. That, which is supposed to have been the earliest, represented the burial of some saint, or distinguished personage, whose corpse, tied in a shroud nearly in the shape of a fish, was lying in the foreground, and behind was a bishop, or other dignified ecclesiastic. Compare the Note on Leigh, Kent.
156. Leominster.—This church comprises western tower, nave with north aisle and porch, and an unusually long chancel. The tower is Tr. Norm., exhibiting two doors under pointed arches, which however may be insertions. The nave and aisle are of the same date, except the south wall of the nave, which is E.E. In the exterior of the west end of the aisle appears a large arch, but with no indication of any erection beyond it. The chancel arch is very lofty, with projecting abaci dividing the piers into two stages; but of the chancel only the north wall is original, the remainder being E.E. with late Perp. windows inserted. The font is a plain square block of Weald marble hollowed out, and supported by a stem and four shafts of the same stone, in the Norm, style. The porch appears to have been of open woodwork, but the sides are now built up with brick. The ancient barge-board remains.—Leominster was bequeathed in the will of K. Alfred to his nephew Osferd; and a small nunnery existed here in Saxon times, it being stated in the Jorval Collection, that "Suane, son of Godwin Earl of Kent, inveigled Edwina, abbess of Lyminster, with intent to marry her." It seems to have been subsequently a small Augustine priory. (Cartwright's Dallaway.)
An alien priory or cell to Almanesche in Normandy is concluded by Tanner to have been founded at Leominster before A.D. 1178. (Notit. Monast. Sussex, xix, in Monast. VI, 1032.) This notice may be considered to allude to the Saxon nunnery; of which establishment no vestiges exist. Among the names of places in Sussex occurring in K. Alfred's will, Mr. Wise (in his edition of Asser's Alfred, 77) gives "Bullingminster;" which seems an evident misreading for Lullingminster, and is so regarded by others, as, for example, in the quotation above.
157. Leonard's, St.—In (A.D. 1291) we find "Ecclia Sancti Leonardi" mentioned along with "Bixle," that is Bexhill: and I conceive this church alone can be intended by the St. Leonard's, Hastings, (of N.R.), as the town contained no church with that appellation.—This, though small, is an ancient parish, adjoining Hastings on the west. When the old church was destroyed does not appear, but "the registers were included in those of Hollington, until the recent consecration of the chapel" (of the new town of St. Leonard's on the Sea, which is partly in this parish) "by act of parliament." (Horsfield's Suss. I, 441.) The above statement respecting the registers of St. Leonard's tends to confirm the conjecture in the Note on Hollington, that the church of St. Leonard may be intended by the "free chapel of Hollington," which is mentioned in (Val. Eccl.). See also the Note on Wilesham.
158. Lewes.—Though the "customs" of the borough of Lewes are enumerated in (D.B.) nothing is said of any church there. However presumptive evidence still exists, that the town contained at least one church previous to the period of the Survey. When in 1839 the old church of St. John sub castro was pulled down to be re-erected on an enlarged scale, a few of its more remarkable portions were preserved, comprising three or four sepulchral monuments, and the stone frame of a doorway; all which were built into the wall on the northern side of the new church. This frame consists of a triple arch, not receding like those in the E.E. style, but flat, and low, with plainly moulded capitals on each side, the outer part of which affords some ground for conjecture, that the arch might originally have been quadruple. The doorway has been much repaired, but sufficient of the old work remains to prove, that it possesses the same general character as the early portions of Barnack Northants, Corhampton Hants, Sompting Sussex, and other churches, which are regarded as specimens of Anglo-Saxon architecture.—"The old church—was very small, and a mere fragment of an ancient one; consisting only of the nave, walled up at each end. The structure, to which it belonged, was in the form of a cross; and from traces of the foundations that were formerly visible appears to have had three aisles" (q. nave and two aisles?) "with a transept," (q. does "a transept" mean both limbs of the cross?) "with a tower rising above the intersection." It is stated to have had an "entrance by a descent of several steps into the west end," and "narrow lights near the roof." (A Day's Ramble in and about Lewes by Gideon Mantell, 112, 113.) A view of old St. John's church is given in Horsfield (Lewes, I,), but not such as to convey a good idea of the building.—Part of St. Anne's church is E.E., and part Tr. Norm. Of the latter style there are both round and pointed arches, all of them being single-soffitted. The piers are round, but the capitals square, of a plain abacus-character above, with trefoil foliage somewhat undercut beneath, and the corners supported by heads, or other ornaments, as corbels. The east end is lighted by a small round window in the angle of the gable, and three lancets below; there are also other lancets in the northern side wall. The font of this church is peculiar. The form is cylindrical without a stem, and the pattern round the centre bears some resemblance to wicker-work. The upper border, consisting of pellets or studs, is an example of the neglect of measurement and calculation, which I imagine to have been common, in ancient times previous to commencing operations on the ornamental carving; for the pellets are not all of the same size, as if the consequence of there not being space to complete the last-worked like the others. St. Anne's church has recently been thoroughly repaired and refitted, generally very judiciously, and with excellent effect as to appearance, especially in the interior.—Of All Saints' church the nave was rebuilt in 1807, in very bad taste.—The church of St. Michael possesses one of the three round towers in this county, but the nave is late Perp., the wall adjoining the street being a good specimen of cut flintwork. Brasses: John Braydforde, rector, 1457; another mutilated, supposed for one of the Warren family. (For an account of the exhumation of a body, perhaps that of John Braydforde, see Horsfield's Suss. I, 210.)
In Horsfield (Lewes, I, 259) it is affirmed, that, "Lewes was anciently divided into eleven parishes," the titles of the churches and their sites being subsequently described.—(N.R.) notices the churches of St. Peter Westout, St. Mary Westout, and St. John sub castro. In(Val.Eccl.) we find named St. Mary, St. Andrew, St. Peter Westout, St. Mary Westout, St. John sub castro, and St. John Baptist Southover. It is remarkable, that, so late as in the first half of the sixteenth century, the designations should vary so much from those of the present day.—In a remote part of the parish of St. John sub castro, entirely severed from the remainder, and lying under the South Downs, is the manor of Allington, formerly very extensive. Belonging to this manor, at a short distance from the court-house, at a place called Beechwood, is "Chapel Barn," once, as the name intimates, the site of a chapel. The present building is modern, but its predecessor retained marks of its original destination. Upon Allington Farm there is also a "Chapel Field," wherein traces yet remain of the structure, from whence the name arose. It will be seen below, that Allington chapel was noticed toward the conclusion of the twelfth century. This may very possibly, as suggested by my informant, have been identical with the last of the two above mentioned, and dependent upon the mother church of St. John; while the other at Beechwood was the private chapel of the manor-house, or of some other mansion. The chapel at Waningore, alluded to in the Note on Chailey, also stood in the immediate neighbourhood, making three within a distance, not exceeding a mile and a half between the extreme points.—Beside the Priory of St. Pancras, which is mentioned under Southover, in which parish it was situated, Lewes contained also a house of Grey Friars. (Tanner's Notit. Monast. Sussex, xx, 4, in Monast. VI, 1533.)
The following churches and chapels are named in a charter to the monastery of St. Pancras, Lewes, from Seffrid II, who was Bishop of Chichester from A.D. 1180 to 1204. Many of the names I am totally unable to identify with places now known. To those, which can be recognised with any certainty, the modern title is added, if necessary. "The chapel of St. John," Southover; "the church of St. John in the castle adjoining," St. John sub castro," with the chapel of Alington; in the same castle the churches of St. Peter, and the Holy Trinity, and St. Nicholas, and St. Mary, and St. Andrew, and St. Martin, and St. Peter Westout," all in Lewes; "the church of Radmeld," Rodmil, "with the chapel of Northese; the church of Piddinghoe, and of Meechinges," Newhaven, "and of Brighthelmstone with the chapel of St. Bartholomew; the churches of Bletchington, and of Hangleton, and of Patcham, and of Powninges," Poynings, "and of Picombe, and of Ditcheninge," Ditchling, "with the chapel of Wivelsfield, and of Hadlei," West Hoathly? "and of Balcombe, and of Hardingli," Ardingly, "and of Barcombe, and of Newic, and of Southbury," Southwick? "and of Portislade, and of Grenested," West Grinsted, "and of Walderne," Waldron; "and of Hetchington," Eckington or Ripe; "and of Brestlig, and of Medlins, and of Lountham," Lordington now in Racton? "and of Rackington," Racton; "and of Stockton," Stoughton; "and of Compton, and of Ipning," Iping; "of Stedeham Brigenessera, of Hemcham, and of Lurgershall, and of Upmarden, with the chapel of Westmarden; the church of Bergham," Bargham? "of Tangmere, Slindon, and the church of Falmere, with the chapel of Burgmeria, chapel of Swanbergh, of Horsted," Keynes;. "of Dicheninge, and of Belandre," Bolney, probably, the priory possessing land there; "and of Lameria; of Stedham, with the chapel of Hedser," Heyshott; "the church of Petworth, with the chapel of Buddington," Burton; "the church of Tullington," Tillington; "and of Coate," Coates. The deed also names the "churches of Rotingden, Kingston, and Iford," with the chapels of Balsdeane in the first, and Swanbergh in the last, mentioned parish. The date is defective, "A.D. 11 . . ," but perhaps was not long after Seffrid's appointment to the bishopric. (See Horsfield's Suss. I, note to 116, and his History and Antiquities of Lewes and its Vicinity, II, App. IV.)
There were two hospitals in Lewes. That of St. James near the gate of St. Pancras priory; and St. Nicholas in Westout (near the western entrance into the town, where four roads meet. Horsfield's Lewes) for thirteen poor brethren and sisters in each. St. Nicholas is said to owe its origin to the founder of the priory. (Tann. Sussex xx, 2, 3, in Monast. VI, 777.) Of St. James's Hospital the stonework of a window, with a fragment of one of the walls of the chancel of the hospital chapel yet remain in a field opposite the residence called Southover Priory. (Mantell's Ramble &c. 31.)—4 May A.D. 1237, Philip, chaplain and vicar of "Rottingeden," gave to Lewes priory a messuage at Lewes "in magno vico in parochia ecclesie Sancti Sepulchri;—in the high street in the parish of the Holy Sepulchre." (I find no other notice of a parish in Lewes so named. A.H.) In October 1319 the prior of Lewes alluded to a pension, then "penitus evacuata, wholly made void," formerly paid him from the churches of the Holy Trinity and St. Peter "procellis et tempestatibus penitus sine relevamine prostrat', irrecoverably prostrated by storms and tempests." (Chartulary of the Priory of St. Pancras.) The cellars of the Star Inn are a well-preserved specimen of E.E. masonry, constructed principally of chalk, and appearing, from their arrangement, to have been originally intended for their present purpose. They contain a frame of iron, which is traditionally said to have been used in the burning of those persons, who suffered at Lewes during the Marian persecutions.
159. Linch.—This is styled a chapel in (Val. Eccl.), though now ranking as a rectory. The ancient building is stated to have occupied a different site from the present. (Dallaway.) The latter was completed A.D. 1705. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 103.)
160. Linchmere.—Is only a perpetual curacy.—In this parish are some remains of the priory of Shoolbred. (Dallaway.) Wolinchmere or Shulbred priory was founded by Ralph de Ardern, though Leland calls him Ralph Ardent. (Monast. VI, 580.)
161. Lindfield.—This is a church of chancel, nave, north and south aisles with chancels, south porch with a parvise, north and south transepts, and square west tower with shingled spire. The tower may be E.E. with later windows and buttresses; it is in two stages, the upper very short. The lower part of the wall of the church, particularly the northern, is older than the upper portion, being of rubble masonry. The north transept was entirely rebuilt in the recent repairs. Body of the building Perp. Some scraps of good Perp. carved woodwork have been preserved. The doors in the north chancel and the west end of the south aisle are closed. During repairs of Lindfield church some timber of the old chancel roof was sold, of which a tie-beam and wall-piece are now placed conspicuously in the staircase of a new house at Hixted Place, in Twineham. Where also, under the front windows of the same building, are some carved stones, which formed the sides of a Perp. altar-tomb, removed from Lindfield church.—In the street of this village are many old timber houses.
162. Litlington.—This church includes chancel, nave with south porch, and a small shingled spire, or large bell-turret, over the west end. In the chancel are two sedilia with an E.E. shaft between them; at an unusual height from the pavement, which may have been lowered. There are also, a perfectly plain piscina, and two brackets in the eastern wall. The roof of the chancel, which is sadly covered with whitewash, seems about coeval with a good screen between the chancel and the nave. Remains of the roodloft exist. In the north wall of the chancel is a Perp. tombarch. Chancel is Norm.; frames of two small windows being visible, externally, in the east end, on each side of the present three-light Perp. window. The font is a plain octagon, with stem and base, Perp. The west end of this church seems to have been rebuilt in the Dec. period, or earlier. The south windows of the chancel, being pointed, appear to be E.E.; those opposite are round-headed Norm. Other Norm, windows, though closed, are perceptible; wherefore the walls generally may belong to that style, the diagonal buttresses having been added subsequently. In the north-west angle of the nave is a very small newel stair, once leading to a bell-turret, which, from marks on the exterior, must formerly have existed above, though it has now entirely vanished, its successor, now containing the bells, being fixed over the centre of the west end of the nave roof. The church-door is ancient, and retains its antique bolt.
163. Lodsworth.—This church has on the southern side "an open cloister of timber-work, connected with the porch." (Dallaway.) It was originally a chapelry to Easebourne, being so named in (Val. Eccl.)
164. Lordington.—In (A.D. 1291) " Ecclia de Lerdytone" is named, as also in (N.U.), where it is styled a parish, "paroichia;" and in (Val. Eccl.) we have "Racton cum Lurdyton," which latter title is (in Ecton's Lib. Val.) changed into Hurdyton; upon what authority I know not, though certainly in (D.B.) "Harditone," no doubt the same place, is mentioned in connection with Racton and Marden. The official designation is still "Racton, R., with Lordington, C." (Clergy List.)—Lordyton, now Lordington, was a parish previous to A.D. 1270, and in Bishop Rede's register is called a rectory, though now only a tithing in the parish of Racton, which is said to have been united with Lordington by Bp. Rich. Praty in 1440. (Dallaway.)
165. Loxwood.—Is a chapelry in the parish of Wisborough Green. The chapel was erected by licence from Bp. Rob. Praty, A.D. 1414. (Cartwright's Dallaway.)
166. Lullington.—This church is "only twenty feet long by twenty broad exterior measure. Some ruins of the west end prove, beyond doubt, that the present building is only the chancel of the original edifice; and tradition says, that it was reduced to its present state in the time of Cromwell." (Horsfield's Suss. I, 329.) The appearance of this apology for a church, with its small wooden bell-turret over the west end, is far from imposing. Its five windows are lancets, long, and much splayed within. Lullington was formerly annexed to Alciston; on which place see the Note.
167. Malling, South.—This place is distinguished as South Mailing, with reference to the Mailings in Kent.—The collegiate church here, dedicated to St. Michael, is said to have been founded by Ceadwalla, king of the West Saxons, who died A.D. 688; though the Archbishops of Canterbury are accounted the modern founders. (Monast. VI, 1470.)
The present church was erected between 1626 and 1628, and consecrated in 1632. (Horsfield's Lewes, II, 169.) At Southeram in this parish, situated about three quarters of a mile south of Cliffe Church, was formerly a chapel. After having been converted into a cottage, every vestige of the ancient building was removed in 1837.
168. Marden.—To a portion of "Meredone" manor belonged "a house in Chichester yielding one penny." (D.B.) Earl Roger possessed four Meredones.
East Marden—Church consists of only a nave. (Dallaway.) East and North Marden alone are mentioned in (Val. Eccl.)
169. Marden, Up..—Is united to Compton. (Clergy List.)—The wall-plate of this church is represented as an example of the E.E. style, bearing the tooth moulding. (Rickman, 122, ed. 1848.)
170. Marden, West—Is now comprehended in the parish of Up. Marden, but formerly it possessed its own chapel, which was named by Bp. Seffrid II toward the conclusion of the twelfth century. See the latter part of the Note on Lewes.
171. Maresfield.—A small sand-stone church of chancel, nave, north porch, and west tower, the latter, as in other examples in the same style, large in proportion to the remainder of the edifice. To improve the interior accommodation the porch has been removed from the nave to the tower. The church contains some good ancient woodwork. Some small windowframes yet visible in the rubble wall of the chancel indicate that to be of E.E. date (if not earlier), but the east window is Dec. In the chancel are a plain piscina, and three iron grave-slabs, one with an inscription A.D. 1667. Both nave and tower seem to be Perp.: of the latter the arch is remarkably lofty.—At Nutley in this parish, near the chapel-of-ease recently erected there, is known to have existed a free chapel, which was attached to Lancaster Great Park, within the royalty of Ashdown forest, as part of the lordship of Pevensey, possessing sixty acres of land by grant from one of the De Aquila family It is yet remembered, when ruined walls four feet above the .ground, with stone mullions still remaining therein, were standing in "The Chapel Wood," but the whole has now long been removed. A broken font, apparently E.E., which was dug up in the vicinity, is now preserved at Maresfield vicarage. An entry in the old register of the parish records, that, A.D. 1541, the sacramental cup of Nutley chapel was transferred to Maresfield church.—(Val. Eccl.) describes a "chantry" of " Maryfeld," which name I conceive to signify Maresfield. And elsewhere, under the valuation of Hichelham priory, the "Free Chapel" of "Merysfeld " is mentioned. But there is nothing to explain whether or not the chantry was within the parish church, or whether its chapel stood in another part of the parish. Neither does it appear what is intended by the "Free Chapel," though it may be presumed to be that already spoken of.
172. Mayfield.—A.D. 1389 the church and nearly the whole village of Hayfield were destroyed by fire, but the palace seems to have escaped. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 417.) This statement may give the date and style of the existing church.—Mayfield is well known for the remains of a palace belonging to the see of Canterbury; wherein, as might be anticipated, was a domestic chapel. (For "Historical and Architectural Notices of Mayfield Palace" consult Suss. Arch. Coll. II, 221 et seq. See also Ib. 179.) (Val. Eccl.) alludes to a park as existing here.
173. Middleton.—This parish contains only about 310 statute acres. The manse is destroyed. The church is small and low. The south aisle, tower, and half the chancel, with the whole south side of the churchyard, have been absorbed, and are now covered with shingle. The latter is entirely desolate. (Cartwright's Dallaway.) The name appears in the (Clergy List) notwithstanding. The church has now, 1847, entirely vanished.
174. Midhurst.—This place is not estimated in (A.D. 1291), and in (Val. Eccl.) is described as a chapel to Easebourne, together with others; of which one was Tadham, now Todham. There are two places or properties of that name, Great and Little, in the parish of Midhurst, south-eastward from the town, near the river Rother.[1] The chapel was at Great Todham, but is now destroyed. See Easebourne.
When Midhurst was constituted a parish, distinct from Easebourne, is not discoverable. (Dallaway; who considers, that both places are included in D.B. under the name of Easebourne.) Midhurst is still only a perpetual curacy. In the old castle also was a chapel, and another, we may presume, at the house of the Knights of St. John, who possessed a commandery here. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 93, 94.)
175. Milland—Or Tuxlithe chapelry, is annexed to Trotton (Horsfield's Suss. II, 90), but the name is omitted in the (Clergy List).
176. Mountfield.—From Horsfield's description of the church (Suss. I, 564), it seems to be Norm.—Near Mountfoeld is an estate called Glat- or Glot-tingham. "In a wood, called the Castle Wood, is the site of the ancient mansion; a space of seven rods by ten rods is contained within the foundations, considerable remains of which have been dug up for the stone within these few years. As the adjoining farm is called Mountfield Park it is probable there was once a park belonging to this mansion. The space above described is completely surrounded by a moat, now nearly dry. It is remarkable, that the site above mentioned, with about ten or twelve acres of land, is in the parish of Etchingham, though at a considerable distance from it, and completely surrounded by Mountfield." (Ut sup. I, 563.)
177. Mundham, North.—The font is "a very large and plain cylinder of black marble." (Dallaway.)—In (Val. Eccl.) we read of "Halnacre cum Mundham," the latter place having been separately named as a vicarage, of which the rectory belonged to Boxgrove Priory.—The chantry of St. Mary Magdalen, Halnaker, "founded by one of the St. Johns before 1348, was at the end of the north aisle" of Mundham church. (Horsfield, in his Sussex, from Dallaway.)—To this chantry the above citation from (Val. Eccl.) must apply. I find no record of any church or chapel at Halnaker (though there was very probably a private chapel in old Halnaker House) but even the statement from Dallaway does not, I conceive, militate against the existence of such an edifice previous to A.D. 1348. See the Note on Poynings. The name " Helnache" occurs more than once in (D.B.), and the estate must have been of considerable importance in early times.—Of Runcton, lying eastward of Mundham, it is stated, that, on the dissolution of the monastic establishments, the manor was charged with " a pension to the chapel of Runcton, now demolished." (Horsfield's Suss. II, 46.) No other account of this chapel has been met with.—South Mundham is within the parish of Pagham. (Ut sup. II, 65.)
178. Newhaven.—In (Val. Eccl.), and still in official documents called " alias Meeching." Though the place is generally known only as "Newhaven," part of the town, namely, that from the high street by the side of the river to the mouth of the harbour, is said to be yet named Meeching. I cannot recognise this place among those mentioned in (D.B.), yet that it was an ancient settlement is evident from the church, of which the original portion, comprising central tower and chancel, is Norm., and probably early. The nave is very modern. The east end is circular, not constructed with straight sides, and the connecting wall rounded; but the plan of the apse commences from the tower, though not from thence forming a complete semicircle; consequently the chancel is small. The three original windows are filled up, but their cases are visible on the outside, showing them to have been very small, and rebated for glass externally. The existing windows also are small, and round-headed. From the appearance of the tower it is clear the church never had transepts. For the opinion of the Rev. J. L. Petit respecting this building consult (Archæol. Journ. V, 138, 139.) Near the sea, westward of the river, are the remains of an ancient camp, of considerable dimensions, having high earthworks on the landward side.
179. Newick—Church consists of chancel, nave with north aisle (added about A.D. 1836) Dec. south porch, and square western tower. The chancel is E.E., having Dec. windows under earlier arches. There are a piscina and two sedilia, all rich. In the nave were formerly four small Norm. windows, of which two and a Norm. door were obliterated in erecting the aisle: one window still appears in the south wall.
180. Newtimber.—(Val. Eccl.) mentions the "Ecclia de Shotynber," which, from comparison of the entries, must evidently signify New timber. The church is very small, comprising a small square western tower, nave and chancel with no external distinction between them, and a projection on the north side of the nave. This last and the tower were added A.D. 1839. A lancet window in the north wall, and another in the southern indicate an E.E. date for the building. The east window contains two or three fragments of coloured glass.—A.D. 960 Eadgar, king of all Britain, restored by charter to a certain Wulfric sundry lands, of which he had been deprived for some offence; namely, "Æscesburah," Ashburnham? "deniceswyrth, garanford, cifanlea, stanmere," Stanmer, "ceadelanwyrth, boxoran, bennanham," Beddingham? "wyrtingas," Wartling? "ticceburnan, steddanhain," Stedham, "tullingtun," Tillington, "paeccingas," Patching, "puningas/Toynings, "intimbre," Newtimber. (Cod. Dipl. II, 360.)
Newtimber Place is an old moated mansion, constructed of brick. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 179.) Saddlescombe, now simply a farm, of which the house stands in this parish, though nearer to Poynings, is an ancient manor, extending into Newtimber, Hurst Pierpoint, Twineham, and Bolney. I can find no confirmatory evidence, but I should conjecture, that a preceptory of Knights Templars, mentioned in the Monasticon, was more likely to have been established here, than in the parish of Sedlescombe near Battle. Comp. the Note on that place.
181. Ninfield.—In the account of the possessions of the Earl of Eu, near the commencement, the manor of Nerewelle is described, in the domain of which was a church; "in dominio habet Robbertus unam carucam et aecclesiam,—Robert has one plough and a church." (D.B.) No hundred is mentioned, so that no clue is here afforded for ascertaining the place designed. But among the lands of Battle Abbey we find named " Nirefeld," as being held by the Earl of Eu, "quod tenet comes de Ow:" the only places belonging to the earl, to which this sentence can apply, being those elsewhere alluded to as "Nerewelle" and "Nedrefelle." The latter is noticed after "Montifelle,," now Mountfield, in Hailesaltede hundred, and is easily recognised as Netherfield, which has given a title to a hundred, but is now merely a small hamlet. With the first, "Nerewelle," as already stated, no hundred is named; but it follows Hoo, Catsfield, and Medehei; which last I cannot identify. The paragraph, containing the above quotation respecting Nirefeld, is headed certainly with the title of a hundred, Totenore, but it seems hardly possible, that all the places there enumerated can be included in that hundred; and the conclusion manifestly appears to be, that the Domesday names "Nirefeld" and "Nerewelle" are really the same, and can only signify Ninfield; to which accordingly the Earl of Eu's church of Nerewelle has been assigned, together with the Domesday names. Ninfield church comprises chancel, nave, south porch (of which the sides have been renewed with brick) and large wooden bell-turret over the west end of the nave. The chancel has E.E. windows; the western is Dec. The church was not entered.
182. Nonneminstre.—I strongly suspect, that this name is intended for another portion of the manor of Lolinminstre. "Abbatia de Almanesches tenet de comite Nonneminstre. Esmund presbyter tenuit de rege Edwardo,—The abbey of Almanesches holds Nouneminstre of the earl. Esmund priest held it of King Edward." (D.B.) If Bp. Tanner's notion of the early connection between Leominster priory and the above-named Norman abbey be correct (refer to the Note on Leominster) the quotation from (D.B.) positively affirms one also between that abbey and Nonneminstre; a fair presumption in favour of my conjecture, that Lolinminstre and Nonneminstre are nearly or quite identical. Moreover both places are noticed under the same hundred, Risberg, the description of Nonneminstre following immediately after that of Lolinminstre and its members, and it had been held formerly in the same manner, namely, from the king. It is however not stated, as of Lolinminstre, that Nonneminstre had paid no tax, "numquam geldavit;" but neither is that said of Totintone and Warnecham. From the mention of it in K. Alfred's will Leominster was evidently a considerable place at an early period, therefore may well have possessed a church in two divisions of the manor. In fact this Nonneminstre church may have been identical with that named as at Warningcamp in (A.D. 1291), though not in that portion of the manor, which is noticed in (D.B) under the title of Warnecham. It is declared of Nonneminstre, that the whole manor comprised thirteen hides, including a wood feeding twenty hogs, and the valuation of three separate holdings is given. "Ibi æcclesia et iv servi et ii salinæ de xxx denariis, silva de xx porcis. T. R. E. valebat xx libras, et post xvi libras; modo xxv libras.—There is a church, and four serfs, and two saltpans of thirty pence, a wood of twenty hogs. In the time of K. Edward it was worth £20, and afterwards £16; now £25." (D.B.) The question may arise, whether it is possible, that the name, we are now trying to identify, may signify merely "The Nuns' Minster." As already remarked in the Note on Meopham, Kent, in very early times the term "Minster" seems to have been applied not to a church generally, but to one connected with a monastic establishment of some kind. The above supposition is perhaps not altogether unlikely, because, first, it is clear that, as above stated, the two places, Lolinminstre and Nonneminstre, if separate, could not be far apart; and secondly, (D.B.) declares that Nonneminstre was held by the abbey of Almanesches, and reference to the account of Leominster will show, that the priory there is considered to have been a cell to the very same Norman abbey.
183. North Chapel.—Was a portion of Petworth parish till severed by act of parliament, A.D. 1693. (Cartwright's Dallaway.) The church "has lately been much enlarged and improved." (Horsfield's Suss. II, 183.)
184. Northiam.—Of this church the chancel was rebuilt about A.D. 1835 much larger, with another addition on the northern side; when it is to be regretted, that three sedilia with canopies (mentioned in Horsfield's Suss.) were not preserved. The old part of the building consists of nave with north and south aisles, south porch, and square west tower with battlements, stair-turret, and a small stone spire, which last is unique in the district. More than half the tower is Norm., and deserving of attentive examination, as it presents some features, which may indicate very considerable antiquity. In the nave and aisles are E.E., Dec., and late Perp. portions. I would recommend the tower of this church as a study, it containing in the coigns stones of a kind not commonly found, but resembling those employed in a portion, of uncertain date, of Apledore church, Kent; the Note on which place compare.
Sir Henry Ellis (in his Introd. to Domesday Book, I, 314, note) considers the Domesday "Hiham" to be 'Iham, the site of Winchelsea. Presumptuous as it must be acknowledged in me to differ from such an authority, I am convinced he is wrong, and that Northiam is the place intended. It is described among the possessions of the Earl of Eu, in "Staple" hundred, the manor first named being "Werste," Ewhurst; the next "Bodeham," Bodiam; then "Hiham;" after which follow "Salescome," Sedlescombe; "Lordistret," (I think there is some place in that neighbourhood now called Lordstreet, but cannot recollect where, nor obtain any information to support my notion), and some other names, which I cannot identify: the modern Staple Cross, whence we may presume the hundred derived its appellation, being a well-known spot with a considerable population, partly, if not entirely, in the parish of Ewhurst, between Northiam and Battle. Again, just previously, among the very same possessions, "Checeham," Icklesham, and "Dodimere," Udimere, appear in the hundred of "Babinrerode:" in that of "Gestelinges, Gestelinges," Guestling, and "Luet," which is uncertain; Horsfield deems it Pett: in the hundred of "Colespore, Pleidenam," Playden, "Idene," Iden, "Glesham," Leesham, and others unknown: beside that another portion of Luet is mentioned in "Baldeslei" hundred. Respecting the identity of the greater number, if not all, of these places there can be no doubt; and as they form a complete belt inland around Winchelsea, they allow no space for so extensive a hundred as that of Staple evidently was. The supposition that the (D.B.) title "Hiham" designates the site of modern Winchelsea would completely sever the spot from the remaining members of the hundred, to which it belonged; whereas, if we understand Northiam to be the place intended, it appears in close and appropriate connection with the other portions of the district described. My idea seems to have been that of Mr. Hayley, as collected from Sir H. Ellis's quotation of his MSS. (in the note to p. 317 of Vol. I of the Introduction). It must be admitted, that in (A.D. 1291) we find "Ecclia de Nordhamme" in the deanery of Dallington, or Nprthiam, and "Ecclia de Yham" in that of Hastings; the latter, it is not disputed, signifying one of the churches in the new town of Winchelsea: see the Note on that place. This fact however does not, I contend, invalidate my argument from its location in the hundred of Staple, that the Domesday "Hiham" is Northiam; though it may prove, that, 200 years after, of two places bearing the same name, it was necessary to distinguish one by the addition of "North."—Brickwall is an ancient mansion here, constructed of brick, with numerous brick walls around it. There are some richly ornamented chimneys, and the whole deserves inspection.
185. Nuthurst.—In this church are some remains of coloured glass, and (apparently) a piscina. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 268.)—About a quarter of a mile from Nuthurst Lodge, overgrown with underwood, are vestiges of an ancient castle, or hunting-seat. It was a circular edifice, surrounded by two moats. Foundations are yet traceable, and the well is perfect, about forty yards northwards from the outer moat. (Horsfield, ut sup. 267; and Dallaway's West. Suss. Ill, 361.)
186. Ore.—Brass: man and woman, arms and inscription lost. Ore Place, originally erected by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was "afterwards converted into a religious house. About the house and grounds relics of antiquity are not unfrequently found." (Horsfield's Suss. I, 440, 439.)
187. Ovingdean.—This small church comprises chancel, nave, south porch, and western tower. The tower is E. E., the porch was perhaps Dec., but has recently been rebuilt, the remainder is late Norm. with a plain north door walled up. The east window, now built up, was plain round-headed Norm., not prepared to receive glass. Some E.E. windows have been inserted, and some modern ones. An E.E. aisle; or Dec., if the old porch was in that style; has been added (but was long ago destroyed) on the southern side of the nave and chancel, but not reaching to the end of the latter. That this was an addition is proved by the soffits of the arches intersecting the frames of two small Norm. windows. Here is a small portion of rather good Dec. wooden screen-work.
188. Pagham.—"There is a church, and a church in Chichester rendering sixty-four pence." (D.B.) (A.D. 1291) "Ecclia de Pagham cum "capella." Ruins of the chapel of St. Andrew in this parish existed in Dallaway's time.—On a slab in the chancel of the church is an inscription in "Longobardic" characters partially obliterated. Some vestiges of the ancient archiepiscopal palace are quite visible. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 66.) This place is said to have been given to Bp. Wilfrid by King Cædvalla A.D. 687, when, lamenting the devastations he had perpetrated in Kent and elsewhere, he resigned his crown, and went to Rome. (X Script, p. 2207, quoted in a note to 254 of Bed. Hist. Eccl. ed. 1846.)
189. Parham.—Of this church "the font is entirely of lead." (Cartwright's Dallaway.) On the font are the arms of Andrew Peverell, M.P. for the county A.D. 1351. The church was repaired and modernised in 1800. Parham House is a spacious Elizabethan mansion, having the arms of Q. Elizabeth on the roof of the entrance-hall, and coloured glass in some of the windows. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 157.)
190. Patcham.—This church is small, comprising only chancel, nave with south porch, and small western tower. About 1825 to 1830 the building was repaired, and the walls are so cased in plaster, that their construction cannot be distinguished, but the interior of the west window in the tower indicates that portion to be Norm., or rather Tr. Norm., the arch (if original and unaltered) being pointed. The east window is, not good, Dec., of which style there is another, better, window in the nave, the remainder being late Perp. and modern. The chancel contains a mutilated piscina. The font is modern.
191. Patching.—(A.D. 1291), in the deanery of Arundel, "Vicarius de Fassing—note, Passing;" which is marked as signifying Patching. This small church has been completely renovated within some few years. It consists only of chancel, nave with south porch, and a tower near the centre of the north side. The original windows of the nave being lancets (two late Perp. have been inserted) they claim at least an E.E. date for this portion. From the shallow buttresses, divided into stages, the lower part of the tower is probably Tr. Norm., which is intimated also by the interior, where arches remain in both north and south walls. The exterior of the edifice is entirely covered by plaster.
192. Penhurst.—This very small church is stated to contain a few fragments of coloured glass; also an iron grave-slab, A.D. 1703. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 561.)
193. Petworth.—The church has been so greatly altered by modern repairs, that the old work is generally concealed, but the south windows of the chancel are early Dec.—In alterations of Petworth House the chapel of the old mansion was preserved (Horsfield's Suss. II, 178.)
194. Pevensey.—This is a very interesting church, comprising nave with north and south aisles, chancel and tower. It is kept clean and in good repair, though it has been sadly barbarised. The east end, including the chancel arch and tower, is E.E., but the nave appears somewhat later. The chancel arch is very fine; lofty, with rich, foliated capitals, much resembling those of Stockbury church, Kent (see Gloss. of Archit.). The chancel, which is long, is a good specimen of the style, having three sharp-pointed lancet windows at the east end, and others irregularly placed, at the sides; but, proh pudor ! thirty-five feet are shut off by a most tasteless wooden partition, and left in darkness, all but a small part of one window being bricked up. The stone mullions too have been removed from all the other windows of the church, in which wooden frames have been inserted. In two of the pillars, one on either side of the nave, very small ogée-headed niches have been hollowed out, as if to contain images. The tower is in an unusual position, at the east end of the north aisle, and probably was once higher than at present. Beyond it eastward are vestiges of buildings, part of the original structure, and perhaps forming two separate chapels, communicating, as we may now see, with the chancel by two distinct arches. The exterior remains indicate some peculiarity in the termination of those buildings toward the east. On the south side, at the western end of the chancel, are marks in the exterior wall of a transept, answering to the tower on the north.—(Val. Eccl.) mentions the chantry of Northhyde; which chapel stood in the marshes north-eastward, two miles from Pevensey. It appears in Speede's map A.D. 1610; and in Walker's modern map of Sussex "ruins of Northly chapel" are placed in the above direction from Pevensey, where two inclosures are still called "Great," and "Little, Chapel Fields." The proper name is Northey, probably from its situation. (See Chronicles of Pevensey, 51.)—The hospital of St. John Baptist here is mentioned in the "Customs of Pevensey." (Horsfield's Suss. I, 306.) This must be a confused second account of the almshouse in four tenements, called as above, which he declares to be in the parish of Westham; where see the Note.
Beside the chapel of Northhyde, or Northey, already noticed, there were others in the neighbourhood. There is some allusion to a "free chapel" within the precincts of the castle. Horsey possessed its chapel at the period of the Nonæ Return about A.D. 1341. Mankesey, now called Manxey, was even styled a parish in 1477, and a piece of land there is yet named "Church Acre." (Chronicles of Pevensey, 51, 52, 53: which work contains likewise a more detailed description than the above of Pevensey church.) For chapels in Pevensey Level see also the Notes on Hailsham and Willingdon.—Pevensey castle is particularly deserving of attention. Great part of the outer wall, inclosing an area of nearly ten acres, is entire, especially at the entrance, and it may be traced clearly where it has fallen. This is an undoubted Roman structure, and the spots, where the masonry was repaired, when the ruins were converted into an English fortress, are easily, on careful examination, to be distinguished from the original work. The old walls must have been in ruins before the landing of K. William I, and though a small addition of Norman character proves that some attention was paid to the ancient fortress, no visible part of the keep is in the Norm. style, so far as I am able to judge; but the few remaining mouldings and the contour of the arches bear such a resemblance to those of the church, as to afford strong reason to believe, that both edifices belong to the same period, or nearly so. In the breach of the Roman wall, which the more modern keep occupied, one of the original towers was thrown down, apparently from being undermined in some manner; and as it rested in a sloping position upon the ground as firmly as rock, the builders of the keep adopted it into their plan by constructing upon it the exterior approach to a sally-port or postern-gate. For fuller particulars consult the (Chronicles of Pevensey). In the Archæol. Journal (IV, 203 to 217,) the writer has endeavoured to show, at some length, that Pevensey possesses a title to be considered the site of the Romano-British city of Anderida or Andredesceaster far superior to those of any other spots, in favour of which that claim has been advanced hitherto. (See also Arch. Journ. V, 229.) This subject has been resumed in the present work under Newenden, Kent.
195. Piddinghoe.—The church now comprises chancel, nave with north aisle and south porch, and western tower with a shingled spire. The nave had formerly a south aisle, which is now destroyed; and the chancel had north and south chapels, also removed. The nave-roof is high-pitched, and extends over the aisle. The chancel arch is lofty and handsome, but the east window is walled up. In the churchyard stands, as a gravestone, an old cross of Sussex sandstone. See a notice of this church (Archæol. Journal, VI, 139, 140.) This is one of the very few round-towered churches in this county; the others being Southease, which adjoins Piddinghoe to the north, and St. Michael's in Lewes. From the opinion that this peculiarity of construction was "evidently designed for better defence," (Suss. Arch. Coll, I, 9,) I must venture to dissent, deeming far preferable the idea, which has been suggested, that the adoption of the form originated from the quality of the building material most common in the districts, where these round towers exist. It must be observed, that in, I believe it may be said, all such localities, no other stone, at least in available quantity, is found, beside flints, and a sort of rubble sparingly scattered perhaps in small pieces in the soil. Both these kinds not simply make inferior walls generally, but are also especially unfit for coigns; when therefore means or inclination were wanting for importing a better article from a distance, it is easy to imagine the church architects departing from the customary square figure, and erecting their towers round, in which shape, it is manifest, they could be rendered more durable, with the materials they possessed, than if formed quadrangular. In the flint churches it will be perceived, that the angles of the towers, when square, are usually, though not always, and those of the body of the edifice most frequently, strengthened with hewn stone; and even should a few examples of this class be produced, as may be done, having neither round towers nor coigns of wrought stone, this circumstance cannot be admitted to invalidate the supposition as to the object, which it was intended to serve by employing the round figure in church towers." These towers, in every district, are built of rough flint, those of Sussex being meaner structures than the rest.—None are of freestone; but, with one exception (Taseburgh, Norfolk) freestone is used, more or less, in the dressings of all the towers I have seen.—Whether they owe their form rather to the fitness of the flinty material of the country for the circular shape, so productive of strength, than to caprice and fashion, it is difficult to decide; particularly when we reflect, … that they abound in some, and are rare, or not to be found at all, in other districts, where flint is the natural production: that they are imitations of the military round tower I think highly probable; &c." (Mr. Gage, in Archæologia, XXIII, 10 to 17, quoted in Gloss, of Archit. art. Tower.) Of the above extract I would direct attention to the four words in italics; but consult the two works referred to. The round towers of churches might, as observed by Mr. Gage, be "imitations of the military round tower," on account of the greater solidity of that form, especially with inferior materials, as learned from experience; without any view to their use as defensive buildings.
A grass field in this parish, situated north of the village, immediately beyond and above the Pottery, and impending over the road to Lewes, appears a not unlikely spot, whereon to search for Roman remains. After hot, dry weather I have here traced, by the withered herbage, numerous foundations of walls. Evidently an extensive settlement of some kind existed in this field at some period or other; and I can hear of no recollection or tradition of modern erections of any kind. The place seems inviting for the site of a villa, where no apprehension of ague was felt, being sheltered by higher ground on one side, and commanding a good view over the valley, in ancient times the estuary, of the Ouse to the opposite hills.
196. Piecombe.—A church of chancel, nave, small low western tower, and north porch. The outer walls and tower are original, the remainder was rebuilt about A.D. 1844, the whole being thickly coated with plaster. The tower is perhaps Tr. Norm. In the chancel is a double piscina under an ogée, cinquefoiled arch, apparently Dec. Here are also many encaustic paving-tiles. The font is round, upon a modern stem, with carving in very slight relief. It is curious, and may be of Norm. date, or even earlier.
197. Plaistow.—This chapelry, in the parish of Kirdford, is a peculiar of the Archbishop of Canterbury without cure of souls or stipend. The building is not earlier than the sixteenth century, if so early, erected probably for the convenience of the archbishop's tenant at Plaistow Place, now a farm-house, containing some vestiges of the ancient mansion, particularly a ceiling.
198. Playden.—The free chapel of Playden beside Rye was alienated by K. Henry VII to the Abbey of Westminster for the building of the Lady Chapel at the east end of the abbey church and other purposes. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 506, note 2.) No reference to any authority is there given, and no other mention of the chapel has been met with. There was formerly a hospital here. (Ut sup. 506.) It is however asserted to be in Rye. "'Pleydone—This hospital, in the parish of Rye, was of ancient date, and dedicated to St. Bartholomew, &c." (Monast. VI, 777.) This establishment is mentioned again under Rye.
199. Plumpton—Church consists of chancel, nave with south porch, and western tower with shingled spire. The building is wider than usual in proportion to its length. The chancel seems E.E. The nave and tower have been too much patched to admit of discerning their character. The font is perhaps Tr. Norm., square, on a large round stem, with small shafts at the angles. The south door may be Norm., or Tr. Norm. The west window and west door in the tower are Perp. insertions.—Plumpton Place is deserving of notice, but has been greatly altered, to render it a modern habitation. It has parts of different dates, but a close scrutiny is necessary to qualify for a detailed description. The house now contains some tapestry, which was removed thither from Halland House in the parish of Laughton.—Plumpton Place was once surrounded by a large moat, now partially filled up, over which was a drawbridge. The owner, Leonard Mascall, temp. K. Henry VIII, is traditionally said to have brought hither the first carp, which were introduced into England. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 230.) An approach to the house has been formed, instead of the old bridge, by filling up a very small portion of the moat, which is unaltered otherwise, and on the northern side of the mansion is a fine piece of water.
200. Poling.—The church is a small building, comprising chancel, nave, south aisle, modern south porch, and western tower. The piers and arches between the nave and aisle, perhaps also their outer walls, are Tr. Norm.; the remainder appears to be Perp. The passage to the roodloft from the east end of the aisle into the chancel is still open. Brass, half length: Walter Davy, vicar.—The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem had a commandery at Poling. The chapel is now converted into a dwelling-house, near the spot, where the annual fair is held. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 143.)
201. Portslade.—A church of chancel, nave, south aisle and porch, and western tower. The chancel is E.E., containing a piscina, and three sedilia under trefoiled arches and a string-course. The nave with the piers and arches is Tr. Norm.; but the aisle, which once had an addition at the east end, appears to be E.E.; the porch is very plain, and later. The tower is E.E., except the upper part, which is Perp., to which style the font also belongs. The floor of the nave is an inclined plane, rising eastward, though almost imperceptibly. However when new fittings were required, and they had been made perpendicular, it was necessary for the carpenter to alter his work. Recently upon the interior of the south wall of this church were discovered some fresco paintings, which are represented and described in (Suss. Arch. Coll. 1, 161 et seq.)—North of the chancel of the church, forming the churchyard wall on that side, and in the pleasure-grounds of J. Borrer, Esq., are the ruins of an ancient manorhouse, still exhibiting two tolerably perfect double-light round-headed windows. Of one the dividing mullion has a decidedly Norm. capital, though the moulding surrounding the inner side of the window has an E.E., or more properly Tr. Norm., character. One fragment of wall is three feet three inches thick, others two feet ten inches, and one foot ten inches, of great solidity, and seeming to have been overthrown by violence. One window looks into the churchyard, in which below the surface still exist foundations of two walls, running from the old mansion to the north-east and the north-west angles of the chancel of the church. The latest date I should assign to this erection is early E.E., and it may be still older.
202. Poynings.—A plain Perp. cross church with a central tower, but no aisles, of dressed flint, the principal entrance being on the northern side, where is a porch; other doors existing at the west end, and in the south sides of both nave and chancel. This last contains a piscina, and three sedilia, in excellent condition. The font is an octagonal column of sandstone with trefoil-headed panels worked in the sides. Many encaustic tiles of various patterns are preserved in the church, and in the south transept are several mutilated grave-slabs, one of them having had an inscription in, apparently, Lombard letters. In the south-east angle of the building some portion of the outer wall of both chancel and south transept seems to have belonged to an earlier structure, the character of the masonry bearing a resemblance even to Norm. The general features of this church are so much like those of Alfriston, save that the latter is larger and more ornamented, that they probably were erected nearly at the same period, and perhaps even by the same architect. (See a detailed account of this interesting example in Arch. Journ. VI, 141 to 144.) Poynings church was struck by lightning about the beginning of August, A.D. 1849, and considerably injured.
"A chantry was founded by one of the Poynings family about a furlong from the church, which still retains the name of Church-field" (sic). "It was afterwards removed into the south transept, which is divided from the nave by a gothic screen." It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 176.) This statement affords some countenance to the idea elsewhere expressed, that chantries and private chapels, originally distinct buildings, were, in some instances, subsequently transferred to the churches of their respective parishes.
203. Preston near Brighton.—This church has only chancel, nave, and small western tower; though insignificant in size, and possessing little ornament, this is an interesting building, being entirely in one style, E.E., without the admixture of any other. The east window has three lights, lancets, the central the highest, being placed side by side within a large arch. In the south wall of the chancel are a piscina, and three sedilia of different grades separated by shafts, all under trefoiled arches. In the north wall is an ambry; also a sepulchral monument, of which the brasses, which were small, are lost; below is a Perp. altar-tomb, the sides richly carved; in the slab of Weald marble is engraved a name dated about 1623. The south door, now built up, had a porch, but not original; the north door has none. On the nave wall, on either side of the chancel arch, are fresco paintings, which were uncovered some years ago, but they are very indistinct. The tower has a wooden cap; the font is modern.—"Prestetone" is stated in (D.B.) to be in "Sumerleg" hundred, which comprised besides only the manors of "Filleicham," Sidlesham; "Seleisie," Selsey; and "Westringes," Wittering; all belonging to the bishop, and held by him. Of Prestetone it is also declared, that "it was always attached to the monastery:—Ipse episcopus tenet Prestetone, et semper fuit in monasterio" (D.B.): that is, I conceive, the monastery connected with the cathedral. Being unable to discover any Preston in the neighbourhood of Sidlesham, &c., I was utterly at a loss to identify this place, but believe the matter to be explained by an entry in the (N. R.), which mentions "Preston Episcopi" after Patcham, before Blatchington, and among several other contiguous parishes. I therefore conclude Preston near Brighton to be the "Prestetone" described as above in (D.B.) and have assigned to it the Domesday name and church: but, if this is correct, it is a very strong example of what I have noted in some other instances, particularly Burgemere, of a hundred including a spot quite detached from the remainder. This vicarage is united with that of Hove. The Prestons in this county are numerous, some being parishes, others not.
204. Preston, East.—This place, situated between Worthing and Little Hampton, is called East Preston in distinction from West Preston, an estate, it does not appear ever to have been a parish, in Rustington. The parish of East Preston has suffered from the encroachments of the sea, though less so than the adjoining one of Kingston. The terrier, dated 1635, mentions parcels of glebe land; there called "Holy Breadths," or, according to the spelling of the document, "Holly-breads;" which had been lost in the sea: for example, "The fourth Holly-bread is in the sea; item, Thomas Hixhood has one Holly-bread which is in the sea." Three parcels of glebe described in the terrier have been absorbed since it was made.—East Preston is annexed to Eerring.
This church consists of chancel, western tower terminating in a stone spire, north and west porches. The north door is of Norm. character, possibly replaced from an earlier building, and the lofty tower arch Perp.; in other respects the body of the edifice may be styled E.E., though the walls have been much patched; and the tower is later. In the east end are three round-headed long windows, the central larger and higher than the others, under as many arches divided by shafts of Weald marble with trefoil capitals. Some Perp. windows have been inserted, and other modern ones copied from them. The west porch is of stone, the northern recently rebuilt. Crosses have been formed of paving-tiles high up in three sides of the tower, of which two remain. There is no exterior mark of separation for the chancel, the roof of the nave having been reduced in height; but within are portions of a low stone wall, which seems to have been surmounted formerly by a wooden screen.
205. Pulborough.—Brasses: Thomas Harling, canon of Chichester, 1423; Mille and wife—he died 1452; Edmund Mille. A chapel, "now totally dilapidated," stood formerly at Newbridge in this parish. "Episc. Registr.: Capellæ de quibus non fit mentio in P. Nichol' Valore: Capella de Newberge in Pulbergh." (Cartwright's Dallaway.)—Old Place, of which some portion still exists, is said to have been erected temp. K. Henry VI, and that a barn belonging thereto appears from its lancet windows, &c. to be more ancient (Qy . Could this barn have been the original chapel? A.H.) Numerous Roman remains have been found in this parish. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 163, 164.)
- ↑ Two rivers in different parts of the county of Sussex bear this name, Rother. The one above mentioned rises near the border of Hampshire, south of Petersfield, traverses Cowdray Park, and joins the Arun at Hardham. The other Rother rises in or near Rotherfield, runs by Etchingham and Salehurst, until, on the eastern boundary of Bodiam, where it receives the small stream called Kent Ditch, it divides the counties of Sussex and Kent as far as the sea, into which it falls at Rye. This last must be the river alluded to in the Saxon Chronicle, compare the Note on Limpne, Kent, as disemboguing at Limme in the ninth century; because, from Hithe to Rye, and even farther westward, no other stream will answer the description of "running from the great forest called Andred;" and, in addition to written documents, that this river many centuries ago passed northward wide of its present course is sufficiently proved by the discovery, A.D. 1822, of an ancient vessel, between fifty and sixty feet long, which was buried in an old channel of the Rother, the soil being eleven feet deep above the gunwale. For further remarks upon these topics consult the Note on Newenden, Kent.