St Mary Magdalene church, Whatlington :: Shared Description
Grade II*listed
It is possible there was a Chapel at Whatlington in 1066, and it is certainly mentioned in the 13th century when in 1252 William son of Simon de Etchyngham bequeathed his rights in the Chapel to the Abbot of Battle.
The original church must have been built not long afterwards and the east window dates from around 1275. There were close links to Battle Abbey.
Some alterations to the church took place in the 15th century, probably the windows in the south wall.
At the dissolution of Battle Abbey in 1538, Henry VIII granted the advowson to Sir Anthony Brown, who has a fine Memorial in the church at Battle.TQ7515 : Tomb of Sir Anthony Browne and wife, St Mary's church, Battle
The chancel and nave are as one, the walls of the church are supported by six original buttresses.
The church was restored in 1862 and it appears it may have fallen into a state of disrepair prior to this. The Victorian restoration was extensive, the old bell turret at the west end was replaced by the present tower and steeple by S.W.Tracey. The south door was closed off and replaced by a window and the organ loft was created. In 1908 the vestry was added.
The main feature of the church is the east window, believed to date from 1275. The present glass is from Victorian times and is thought to be of French origin. At the top can be seen pieces of medieval glass with a green fine leaf design.
The lancet windows in the south wall are from the late 15th century although the second from the east is original.
The pulpit is dated 1643 but was bought in 1862.
The font is 13th century. The chancel contains a 13th century piscina and a large Sedile.
The churchyard originally contained a very old Yew tree which fell in the storms of 1987. It was believed that it was from the pre-conquest era, however its precise age could not be determined as the centre of the trunk had rotted away.
In 2010 the church suffered from extensive fire damage which probably started in the organ loft in the west gallery. Fortunately the medieval roof timbers had escaped the worst of the damage, but it was found that the tower was poorly built and leaning, and the roof of the vestry also required attention. The church underwent major interior re-design with the addition of a new west gallery and kitchen.
Patience Strong was once a Sunday school teacher at the church.
It is possible there was a Chapel at Whatlington in 1066, and it is certainly mentioned in the 13th century when in 1252 William son of Simon de Etchyngham bequeathed his rights in the Chapel to the Abbot of Battle.
The original church must have been built not long afterwards and the east window dates from around 1275. There were close links to Battle Abbey.
Some alterations to the church took place in the 15th century, probably the windows in the south wall.
At the dissolution of Battle Abbey in 1538, Henry VIII granted the advowson to Sir Anthony Brown, who has a fine Memorial in the church at Battle.TQ7515 : Tomb of Sir Anthony Browne and wife, St Mary's church, Battle
The chancel and nave are as one, the walls of the church are supported by six original buttresses.
The church was restored in 1862 and it appears it may have fallen into a state of disrepair prior to this. The Victorian restoration was extensive, the old bell turret at the west end was replaced by the present tower and steeple by S.W.Tracey. The south door was closed off and replaced by a window and the organ loft was created. In 1908 the vestry was added.
The main feature of the church is the east window, believed to date from 1275. The present glass is from Victorian times and is thought to be of French origin. At the top can be seen pieces of medieval glass with a green fine leaf design.
The lancet windows in the south wall are from the late 15th century although the second from the east is original.
The pulpit is dated 1643 but was bought in 1862.
The font is 13th century. The chancel contains a 13th century piscina and a large Sedile.
The churchyard originally contained a very old Yew tree which fell in the storms of 1987. It was believed that it was from the pre-conquest era, however its precise age could not be determined as the centre of the trunk had rotted away.
In 2010 the church suffered from extensive fire damage which probably started in the organ loft in the west gallery. Fortunately the medieval roof timbers had escaped the worst of the damage, but it was found that the tower was poorly built and leaning, and the roof of the vestry also required attention. The church underwent major interior re-design with the addition of a new west gallery and kitchen.
Patience Strong was once a Sunday school teacher at the church.
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By N Chadwick. Used on 10 images
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Created: Sat, 21 Dec 2013, Updated: Sun, 16 Oct 2016
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