COUNTRY CHURCHES

70. Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clapham

Clapham lies hidden away in the Downs north of Worthing, and the sturdy 13th century tower of the church concealed by trees lies up a rough track leading nowhere at the edge of the village. Much of the interior dates from the Victorian Gothic restoration by Sir Gilbert Scott in 1873-4.

On entering by the 15th century west door one can immediately see that the chancel is not in line with the nave but inclines to the north. The three large lancet windows in the west wall date from Scott's restoration and contain stained glass in memory of Sir Percy Burrell. Somewhat older is a rare 12th century gravestone bearing a cross 4ft 8 ins. long but no inscription. Before 1871 it was situated in the chancel and it is believed that it covered the grave of a medieval priest, maybe one of the first rectors?

In the south aisle near the 15th century east window is a piscina. Close by is a small low window which some believe may have been a leper window since Lee Farm in the village was a medieval leper settlement. Standing nearby is a beautiful modern statue of the Madonna and Child carved by Philip Bentham in 1985. A memorial on the wall and a number of floor slabs relate to the yeoman family of Parsons.

The chancel has been well restored by Scott especially the six side lancet windows each of which contains paintings of two of the twelve Apostles. The stained glass of the east window portrays Stephen, Luke, Timothy and Barnabas. Particularly interesting are the numerous memorials to the Shelley and Michelgrove families. The manor of Clapham was held by the Falconer family in the 12th century. But they took the name de Michelgrove retaining falcons on their coat of arms. At the end of the 15th century the female heir Elizabeth Michelgrove married John Shelley and thus the line continued for three centuries. A magnificent brass in front of the altar rails depicts John Shelley (d.1513) and his wife Elizabeth. He is dressed in armour with the Shelley arms above whilst she wears a long gown trimmed with fur and a diamond head-dress. The Michelgrove arms and overhead the falcon can clearly be seen. Above them both is a representation of the Trinity with God the Father arrayed on a cope.

On the north side is a fine recessed tomb of Sir William Shelley and his wife Alice dating from the 16th century. He was a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas and is shown in the hood and coif of a judge. Behind the parents are ranged their 14 children, 7 sons and 7 daughters, one of the latter being dressed as a nun.

On the south side are two brasses on the wall. One dated 1550, relates to John Shelley the judge's eldest son and his wife Mary Fitzwilliam plus their 12 children. The other relates to their son, yet another John Shelley, dressed in armour alongside his wife, son and daughter. The complete Shelley Family Tree hangs on the wall near the west door.

Behind the marble altar and on either side are tiles designed by William Morris. Four archangels in the centre are surrounded by a vine and grape pattern. The pulpit dates from the Victorian restoration as does the brass lectern in the shape of a falcon with extended wings. The timbered roofs of the nave and south aisle are original.

John Symonds