East Sussex Historic Churches

The first mention of a church at Northiam comes from the 11th century, though it seems almost certain that there was an earlier church on this ridge-top spot. It seems that the church, with those at Peasmarsh and Beckley, was granted by Robert of Eu, brother of William the Conqueror, to St Mary-in-the-Castle at Hastings.
Church Lane, Northiam, East Sussex, England

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Heritage Highlight: The Frewen family chapel, decorated with heraldic designs and monuments.

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St Peter's Church dates to the 12th century and boasts a late-12th-century font, medieval glass, and a 15th-century palimpsest; a reused memorial brass. Look for a carved head decorating a nave capital and the wall tablet to a former rector, who died in 1767.
The Street, Rodmell, East Sussex, England, BN7 3HW

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Heritage Highlight: 15th-century palimpsest brass

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St Peter's Church, Southease, dates to at least the 11th century and possibly earlier. It boasts one of only three round towers in the county, and a series of 12th-century wall paintings. The church stands in an idyllic location on one side of the village green, and the South Downs Way runs directly past the churchyard.
Off C7 road, Southease, East Sussex, England, BN7 3HX

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Heritage Highlight: 12th-century wall paintings

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Holy Trinity church is a Norman Revival building erected in 1843 for the newly created parish of Upper Dicker. It was designed by WJ Donthorn, one of the founders of RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects. It boasts a 17th-century font and a memorial to the first vicar, Rev Owen Vidal, who served as the first bishop of Sierra Leone and died at the age of 35.
Coldharbour Road, Upper Dicker, East Sussex, England, BN27 3YJ

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Heritage Highlight: 17th-century font

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All Saints stands in the idyllic village of Westdean, just off the South Downs Way National Trail. The church dates to the late Saxon or early Norman period and features an outstanding memorial to William and Anne Thomas (d 1639 and 1625 respectively). Look for the bronze bust of Viscount Waverley, originator of the Anderson shelter.
The Lane, Westdean, East Sussex, England, BN25 4AL

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Heritage Highlight: Thomas Memorial, circa 1639

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This delightful country church was built in the 12th century by the monks of Wilmington Priory. The monks used the chancel and the parishioners used the nave. Historical highlights include a mysterious carved stone figure known as the Wilmington Madonna and a beautiful 1610 pulpit and sounding board.
The Street, Wilmington, East Sussex, England, BN26 5SL

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Heritage Highlight: The ancient carved figure known as the Wilmington Madonna

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St Thomas the Martyr was begun in 1288 and boasts one of the finest collections of medieval tombs in England, including several to the Alard family. The church is a peculiar shape, without a nave, possibly owing to a devastating French raid on Winchelsea in 1380. Look for a stunning series of modern stained glass window by Douglas Strachan.
High Street, Winchelsea, East Sussex, England, TN36 4EB

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Heritage Highlight: Superb 14th-century tombs

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