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86. St Andrews West Dean
This small 11th century church lies hidden away down a narrow lane a few miles north of Lavant on the road to Singleton. Little of the original church remains apart from a blocked north doorway with a rounded Saxon arch. A rebuilding in the 13th century saw two transepts added. The battlemented tower dates from 1744 and has an impressive sun dial high up on the south side. The interior fittings, the plain glass windows and the timbered roof are all modern following a disastrous fire on November 20th 1934 which caused extensive damage. A wall plaque recounts that the church was fully restored by April 1936 including the west gallery with its fine organ. The plain glass of the nave windows gives an 18th century feel to the church as you walk in. One of the south side windows contains a small but attractive coloured glass memorial to Vera Smith, organist 1941-1995, showing organ pipes, flowers and a page of music.
The north apse contains two brasses. One dated 1807 relates to Georgina Caroline Dowager Lady Selsey and an earlier 18th century one to Sir John Peachey aged 15. Alongside are the village war memorials as well as a memorial to Cecil Hankey accidentally killed in 1940, and his two sons Walter and Stephen. The latter was an R.A.F. pilot who crashed in dense fog at Tangmere on December 17th 1944 whilst returning from France carrying members of the French Resistance. The south transept is largely devoted to the James family, local benefactors and owners of the West Dean estate. Edward (d.1984) founded the West Dean Trust and Gardens. His father William (1851-1912) lies Crusader like full length and dressed in diplomatic insignia. Above, a slate plaque commemorates his four daughters Helen, Alexandra, Silvia and Audrey. A memorial on the wall above commemorates William's brother Frank unusually killed by an elephant at San Bonito West Africa in 1890. Also in the apse is a rare recessed altar.
The chancel contains the fire damaged monument to Richard Lewknor (d 1616), once Chief Justice of Chester, his son Richard (d 1634) and grandson (d 1646). Only the two kneeling figures of the son and grandson remain, dressed in semi armour with breeches, one bearded and one moustached. The triple lancet east window contains Victorian glass depicting St Andrew, Christ in Majesty and St Richard. A large 18th century brass chandelier hangs over the central altar between the apses. Many eighteenth century carved gravestones can be seen in the churchyard. All in all a church of contrasting styles and great tranquillity. Not to be missed. John Symonds |
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