St Wilfrid's Church, Church Norton, West Sussex

Address:
Rectory Lane, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 9DT
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Open daily 10am to 4pm. For enquiries about this church, please contact Nick Watts - [email protected].
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  • Megan Mitchell
  • Overview
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A fascinating mix of old and new

St Wilfrid's stands in a tranquil corner of a large churchyard, down a little lane beside Pagham Harbour. At first sight it appears to be a simple cemetery chapel. In fact it is the thirteenth-century chancel of a large Norman church. The main part of the church was removed in 1864 and rebuilt in the centre of Selsey to serve the growing population of this seaside resort.

Inside there are a number of things worth seeing, including: a magnificent monument to John and Agas Lewis, dating from 1537; vivid carving depicting the gruesome martyrdom of St Agatha; amodern stained glass window which features a beautiful depiction of a local nature reserve, designed by M C Farrar-Bell in 1982, and includes moles, stoats, foxes, a woodpecker, avocet and shelduck; another modern stained glass window by Carl Edwards, made in 1969, which is dedicated to the contribution made by women to lessen suffering throughout the world (it includes a picture of Cairo Cathedral, which has now been demolished).

An intriguing combination of ancient and modern makes a visit to this church popular among the walkers and birdwatchers who enjoy the many footpaths and the wildlife around this delightful site.

Church Norton Guide

To donate by text, please text 'CHN' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

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  • Access information
    Tarmac path to chapel door. One large step down into chapel.
  • Facilities & Hire
    Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating, running water and toilet facilities.The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
  • Directions
    8 miles south of Chichester along the B2145 (2 miles north of Selsey). At the junction with Rectory Lane follow St. Wilfred’s Chapel brown tourist signs.
  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Bognor Regis (4.7 miles)

  • History & Further Information

    Useful information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out about this church and the CCT before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church

    Hampshire, Sussex & Surrey County Guide 2012

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Hampshire, Sussex & Surrey. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church. A walk round guide for St Wilfrid's Church, Church Norton This short, full colour walk round guide contains a floor plan of the church and highlights of things to see during your visit. You can purchase a printed copy of this from the church (50p) or download in advance (free/optional donation).

  • Community information

    Useful local links:

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