Country Churches

99. Coombes

This small unrestored Downland church dates from the 11th century and has no dedication. It lies hidden away in the Adur valley just north of Lancing College. It is not easy to find as it is not sign-posted and lies behind a farm. Indeed it can only be approached by walking across a field full of sheep and cows. It is firmly set into the hillside and the west end has a floor level some 7 feet below ground level. It is a simple two cell building with no pillars and with an unbroken roof line.

The glory of the church lies in the numerous 12th century wall paintings which were only discovered in 1949. Though not all have survived, enough remain to give the visitor a taste of its former glories. Above the chancel arch Christ is shown seated on an oval mendoria upheld by angels. The red lion of St Mark is clearly visible on the south side of the arch and above Christ can be seen the keys of St Peter and the book of St Paul. On the soffit of the chancel arch is the dramatic portrayal of a crouching, grimacing man with a wide opening mouth supporting a beam.

On the north wall of the nave the journey into Egypt is portrayed with a donkey led by St Joseph and also a large figure of St Christopher. The south wall, beginning at the west end, has scenes relating to the Nativity and the Visitation. Towards the eastern end three dark haired figures can be seen gesticulating possibly representing the Virgin Mary being falsely accused by St Joseph. Many of these paintings were sadly mutilated in 1671 when the Ten Commandments and other texts were painted over them. Some fragments of these can still be seen.

The windows in the nave vary considerably in date. At the east end of the south wall a 13th century rectangular window is inserted into a large plain half-arch. Adjoining is a trefoil headed window and towards the west end is a 16th century window whilst the west window is a round headed window in a rectangular opening dating from the 18th century.

The floor of the nave is paved with brick and tiles some dating from the 14th century. There are a number of 18th century floor slabs as well as one inscribed 'The entrance to Mr Wyatts Vault 1801'. The font is plain, circular and lead lined of uncertain early date.

The 13th century chancel has a 16th century east window. More wall paintings can be seen including the figure of a bishop with a staff (possibly St Thomas of Canterbury) over the priests doorway on the south side. Faintly visible on the north wall is the figure of St Christopher. The rest of the wall is covered in 3 different types of red masonry patterns. In the north east corner is a 15th century oak chest whilst a number of interesting 17th and 18th century floor slabs can be seen near the altar rails including Edward Manning (1688), Mary Manning (1689) and John Manning (1707). East of the altar rail are 5 18th century slabs of the Ingram family.

The chancel floor is composed of brick and yellow and brownish green tiles. A painting of the church hangs on the west face of the chancel arch. The only modern feature in the church is a memorial on the south wall of the nave to Air Commodore Reginald Knowles (d.1974) and his wife Gladys. There is a small pyramid shaped bell cote containing a single bell.

Since 1908 the church has been joined with Lancing and the patronage is held by Lord Egremont. Fuller architectural details are given in the excellent guide book by Francis Steer on sale in the church.

John Symonds