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.
A view into the chancel, which is not structurally separated from the nave.
A rarity for Sussex is the Early English font - perhaps the oldest artifact in the building.
A view of the nave looking east towards the triple lance windows.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
The window was made by Anne Gordon in 1992 and is a memorial to Jeremy Oundijan
Looking towards the west gives a view of the gallery which was erected in 1964 as a war memorial to the men of Itchenor.
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.
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.
The war memorial stands on the south west corner.
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.
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
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