45. St Michael's Amberley This imposing church north of Arundel with its massive tower and long sloping roof was begun around 1100 on orders of Bishop Luffa of Chichester, replacing an earlier 7th century Saxon wooden church. The Early English chancel, South Aisle and tower were added in 1230. The South Doorway with carved oakleaves on the capitals dates from the fourteenth century. On entrance the high timbered roof of the nave impresses but the eye immediately notices a fine semi-circular stained glass window in the North wall. Designed in 1969 by Anning Bell in memory of the artist Edward Stott. The main scene in lovely dark blue and red colours shows Christ being carried away from the Cross. Inscribed are the words 'the Life so short the Art so long to learne'. Turning east the church is dominated by the massive chancel arch with medieval wall paintings on the right hand side. These date from the early 13th century. The scenes depicted include Christ in Majesty, the Resurrection of Christ, the Flagellation, the Procession to Calvary and the Crucifixion with Mary and John standing alongside. On the yellow borders various fishes are shown. Also on the nave walls are two Consecration Crosses. The chancel is rather disappointing. The glass in the East Window is late Victorian in memory of the Revd. G Clarkson who died in 1897 having been Vicar of Amberley for 57 years. Much better is a beautiful modern window in the South Aisle designed by Veronica Whall as a memorial to Edith Jennings who died in 1931. It shows in delicate mauves, purples and brown, the legend of St Edith. Another window in clear glass nearer the east end bears an inscription by Joseph Cribb a pupil of Eric Gill. Also in the South wall is a small circular Salutation showing the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. The only brass in the church in the east wall of the South Aisle dates from the 15th century. It is a memorial to John Wantele who died on 2 January 1424. He is shown wearing his surcoat over armour. On the other side is a text from Revelations 7.19 which covers up an earlier wall painting. Other features include a 12th century font and a finely carved pulpit with the original 16th century Hour Glass fixed in the wall alongside. The list of incumbents dating from 1370 is beautifully engraved on a copper plate on the South wall. On the wall of the tower is a touching memorial to a young girl of 17, Joan Mary Stratton, who died in 1919. Underneath the delicately painted head are simply inscribed the words 'Dear Child'. In the churchyard there is an ancient yew tree transplanted from the Vicarage in 1742. And don't miss the tiny scratch sun dial on the south east corner of the south wall. Adjoining the church is the castle, now a hotel, where in medieval times lived the Bishops of Selsey and later of Chichester. John Symonds |
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