St Mary the Virgin, North Stoke

In an idyllic rural setting on the South Downs, in a loop of the river Arun, North Stoke Church is a memorable combination of rustic charm, fine architecture and an atmosphere of centuries of prayer. The church is in the simple shape of a cross and remains virtually unaltered since mediaeval times. Though not large, its simplicity and elegant proportions give the impression of height and space. Light floods in through the clear glass of the beautiful mediaeval windows to illuminate the interior. Traces of wall paintings dating from the 14th century include flowers, leaves, and scrolls, showing that the church would have been a blaze of colour and decoration in the Middle Ages. Some very early and rare stained glass remains from the beginning of the 14th century, including figures which may represent the Virgin Mary and King David. There is some intriguing stone carving, including a sheep’s head above a recessed stone seat on the west wall an appropriate symbol in sheep-rearing country and a quaint little hand. On the outside wall, facing south, is carved a mediaeval mass dial which was used to calculate when church services should begin, before the days of clocks.