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47. St Thomas a Becket, Pagham
This church with its timber framed shingled spire stands on the edge of Pagham Harbour once a flourishing port in the Middle Ages. It stands on the site of the original Saxon church and some of the original stones can be seen in the South Transept built into an oak topped table. After 1066 a Norman church was built but the present church in Early English style, largely dates from the early 13th century some 40 years after the martyrdom of Thomas Becket. His crest of three birds can be seen above the porch as you enter the church.
Inside, the immediate impression is of great width and largely white washed plainness. There is no chancel screen but above the arch are inscribed the Lords Prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Creed. The large East Window contains medieval glass from a church in Rouen depicting the Nativity, the Adoration of the Wise Men and the Circumcision. Above are the Arms of Archbishop Hawley of Canterbury, Queen Victoria and Bishop Otter of Chichester. The date 1837 may indicate that the glass was installed to commemorate Queen Victoria's coronation. Equally impressive is the fine circular Rose Window in the West Front copied in 1836 from a church in Palermo. The glass was given by Sir Arthur du Cros in memory of the convalescence of King George V in nearby Craigwell House in 1929. The Arms of King George himself are shown in the centre surrounded by the Arms of 12 saints. These are of St Thomas a Becket, St Edmund King of England, St Edward, St Augustine, St Richard of Canterbury, St Anselm, St Patrick, St Wilfrid, St David, St Andrew, St George and St Edward the Confessor. Queen Mary who often worshipped in the church presented three pieces of painted glass for a window in the North Aisle. These show the emblems of the Passion, the shield of St Edward the Confessor and a 15th century roundel of 'A Pelican in her Piety'.
Other stained glass in the North and South transepts was placed there in 1919 in memory of Lt Charles Hartmain and Lt John Manners both of whom were killed in France during the First World War. The Angel Gabriel, Raphael, Mary and the Christ Child and St George slaying the Dragon are among the scenes depicted. Another window in the North transept, overlooking the Norman font, is of Faith, Hope and Charity, whilst in the South Aisle an attractive small lancet window shows the baptism of Christ in the Jordan. In the sanctuary is a tablet in memory of Polyxena d.1652 the wife of John Barfoot Minister of Pagham. Near the pulpit is a stone in memory of Edward Darrell, Clerk to the Caterie of the Queen's Household 1575. In the South Aisle is displayed a Saxon burial urn discovered in the churchyard.
Also on display is a very beautiful banner designed in 1979 to mark the completion of the church's restoration. There sits the mitred Thomas Becket on his throne, one hand raised in blessing, the other holding Pagham church in his lap. Below his feet is a knight with drawn sword. Underneath is Becket's personal Coat of Arms and above the arms of Canterbury and Chichester. A border of oak leaves commemorates the Saxon settlement (ham) and a clearing in the oak wood. The background of blue silk recalls the sea only a few hundred yards away from the church. The whole design is most impressive. The choir plus the vestry and Gallery at the West End date from the Victorian restoration. The belfry has a peal of six bells whilst at the back of the church hangs the ship's bell of H.M.S.Pagham dated 1955. John Symonds |
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page last updated 1 APRIL 2001 |
