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49. St Mary, West Chiltington
West Chiltington lies a few miles north of Storrington, and its 12th century church contains a marvellous series of medieval wall paintings. These frescoes were only discovered in 1882 but they form a veritable art gallery dating back 700 years. On the north wall of the nave above the entrance door are a series of Nativity scenes showing the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Angel and the Shepherds. Also in the splay of the West window is an eye-catching figure of Christ standing on a cart wheel. From his raised hands blood drips down onto various instruments of labour such as a tailor's shears, a butcher's cleaver, a weaver's shuttle and a carpenter's square. It was intended as a warning against Sunday working. Four massive pillars separate the nave from the south aisle. Above them are a further series of paintings showing various scenes of the Passion. These include the Entry to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the washing of the feet, the betrayal by Judas, the Flagellation, carrying the Cross, the Crucifixion and the Angel appearing at the tomb. The effect is remarkable. There are even older paintings in the south aisle including angels blowing trumpets and a circular medallion with the designs of the Cross as an endless rope knot.
The impressive double arch leading into the chancel is quite rare. Above it on a huge oak beam is inscribed the date 1602 which commemorates the building of the spire. Looking into the chancel from the south aisle is a 10 foot long squint or hagioscope in which is preserved the original 14th century lock and keys of the church. Inside the chancel note the Easter Sepulchre in the recess of the north wall and also the restored High Altar which includes the Sussex marble top preserved when the rest of the altar was destroyed in 1548. On the north side of the chancel is an interesting 17th century memorial erected in 1616 in memory of Robert Johnson who died at the great age of 96 having been minister of Chiltington for '50 years and upward'. Dying on 10 June 1611 he left four children Thomas, Robert, Ioanne and Mary and 'he lived until he saw his children's children's children unto y third generation'. There are also two World War one memorials in the chancel. One commemorates John Lionel Calvert Booth a lieutenant in the 12 battalion infantry of the Australian Imperial forces 'mortally wounded in action at Gaba Tepe in the Gallipoli peninsula on April 28 1915. The other surely commemorates one of the earliest soldiers to be killed in the war in one of the remotest corners of Africa. It is to John Leslie Caldicott R.A. who fell in action on September 9 1914 at Kavanga Nyasaland 'while leading a charge on the enemy's guns'. An unexpected memorial to find in a small country church. Other features of note in the church include the octagonal pulpit dating from the days of Archbishop Laud in the 17th century and the octagonal 13th century font. There is also a wooden altar table of 1635 standing in the south aisle. The church also owns a copy of the 1566 Breeches Bible. The name derives from Genesis 3:7 where the word 'breeches' is used to describe the garments of Adam and Eve. The bible is no longer on display but a photostat of the relevant page is displayed in a glass case near the west wall. Finally, stroll out of the 13th century porch, one of the oldest in Sussex, and into the beautifully kept churchyard which includes a huge horse chestnut tree. According to the church guide some 3700 people have been buried here. It would be hard to imagine a more peaceful resting place. John Symonds |
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page last updated 1 JUNE 2001 |
