St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - 16th June 2008

I visited this church during a lunch break from work and was delighted to find the building open.  The building dates from the 12th century.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

A view into the chancel, which is not structurally separated from the nave.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

A rarity for Sussex is the Early English font - perhaps the oldest artifact in the building.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

A view of the nave looking east towards the triple lance windows.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

The lancets contain attractive modern glass; the central light exhorts "O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord."  The inscription reads "To the Glory of God and in memory of Andrew Caldecott 1884-1951".  I particularly like the owl sitting on a branch in the moonlight (top right).   The glass was designed by Christopher Webb and although is mainly based on the theme of the Bededicte, it also contains references to Hong Kong, Malta and Ceylon, places associated with Sir Andrew.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTCSt Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTCSt Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

The south wall has this beautiful window depicting St Christopher and St Nicholas, which is erected in the memory of the Fleet Air Arm pilot Sub Lt. Malise A Graham R.N.V.R, who was lost on a patrol over the mediteranean in 1942..  A biplane at the base of the left hand light emphasises the connection.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

An equally colourful window in the north wall is dedicated "To the Glory of God & in memory of George Eric Goldsmith 1914-41".  This gentleman died whilst serving in the National Fire Service and is commemorated by the figures of St George and St Michael.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

Further east in the north wall is this lancet filled with glass depicting the arms of Trinity College Oxford, Eton College and Rossall School.  The dedication reads "Francis Robinson Gladstone Duckworth, C.B.E., M.B.E. (MIL.) 1881-1964.  Educated at Rossall School, and Trinity College, Oxford, sometime on the staff of Dover, Cheltenham and Eton Colleges.  On active service 1915-1918, Ministry of Education, Inspectorate 1920, Senior Chief 1940-1943, Churchwarden of this parish 1944-1959.  The fruit of the spirit is in all goodness".

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

The west wall contains two windows, a double light rather obscured by the gallery and a round window above.  These are inserted between the external buttresses supporting the bell turret and are filled with richly coloured modern glass.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

The window was made by Anne Gordon in 1992 and is a memorial to Jeremy Oundijan

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

Looking towards the west gives a view of the gallery which was erected in 1964 as a war memorial to the men of Itchenor.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

A modern vestry has been added to the north side of the chancel - in my view a successful addition owing to the sympathetic materials and avoiding the use of pointed windows.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

A view of the south east side.  The disturbed stonework suggest there was once a second lancet window in the south side of the chancel.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

The war memorial stands on the south west corner.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

A final view of the west end - the structure supporting the bell turret is possibly unique in Sussex (?) and gives this elevation a very unusual appearance.  Three bells hang in the belfry, two dating from the 17th century and the treble made by John White of Reading in 1530.

St Nicholas, West Itchenor, West Sussex - MTC

This medieval building is a joy to visit and is a striking example of how, when their work is properly and carefully deployed, modern artists can truly enhance what has gone before.

Digital photographs


Visitors to this album since June 2003


This is a page from the Roughwood British Churches Album

If you would like to purchase any of the images featured here or commission others of this church, please click here.

If you found this page using a search engine or other link, please use the icons below to link to one of the main sections of the Roughwood web site:

Click here to view the Roughwood Photograph Album
Photo Album

Click here to view the Roughwood Antique Postcard Album
Postcard Album

Click here to view the Roughwood Mill Album
Mill Album

Click here to return to the Roughwood Homepage
Homepage

Click here to view the Roughwood Garden Album
Garden Album

Click here to view the Roughwood Churches Album
Church Album

Click here to view the Roughwood genealogy pages
Genealogy

Google
 
Web www.roughwood.net

Please do not reproduce or store any of the pictures on this site without asking first.