Geograph - photograph every grid square

Grade I listed.

There was originally a two cell church within the nearby Castle, dating from the early 12th century. It was replaced in 13th century by a larger church nearby, in Early English style. At that time Pevensey was a more prosperous town.
The western chancel was built first, around 1200, opening into north and south chapels. The north Chapel disappeared but was replaced after 1875 when the church was restored.
The chancel arch dates from 1230.
The nave was then built with arcades of green Eastbourne sandstone. There are five bays in the south arcade, but the north arcade only has three bays, as the tower is built at the eastern end. As in many other mediaeval churches, the chancel is slightly offset to the left.
The nave has clerestory windows, and there are lancets at the west end of each aisle.
The roof dates from the 15th century.
The north and south chapels were removed after the Reformation, and the eastern chancel was walled off and at one time used as a cowshed and coal store!

In 1875 George Gilbert Scott junior planned a restoration which was carried out two years later. In 1886 top of the tower was repaired. It had originally been taken down to the level of the first storey around 1800, and a short spire was added. A lot of the roofs were replaced.

The font is probably 15th century,(some say older) and there is also a fine chest dated 1664.

On the north wall of the nave is a monument to John Wheatley (died 1616) consisting of an effigy lying on his side. He is said to have contributed £40 (a fair sum in those days) towards the cost of repairing a ship to fight the Spanish Armada in 1588.

The church is known for its excellent acoustics.
There are windows by Christopher Webb, Moore and Clayton & Bell.

Created: Sat, 6 Dec 2014, Updated: Sat, 6 Dec 2014