Church of The Holy Sepulchre, Warminghurst, West Sussex

Address:
Church Park Lane, Ashington, West Sussex, RH20 3AW
How to find us
Opening times:
Open Daily, 10am - 4pm. For enquiries about this church, please contact Nick Watts - nwatts@thecct.org.uk.
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

A country gem from a gentler era

The setting of this thirteenth-century sandstone church, with splendid views across to the Iron Age fort of Chanctonbury Ring on the South Downs, is lovely, but the building itself surpasses all expectations. The unspoilt eighteenth-century interior, which is illuminated by large windows of clear glass contains silvery oak pews, a clerk's desk, a triple-decker pulpit, an uneven flagstone floor, and a curved brace roof.

There is also an elegant three-arched wooden screen. Above the screen is a wonderful painting of the coat of arms of Queen Anne, with theatrical swags of painted drapery surrounding it. Look for the clerk's chair - it suggests that one of the old parish officials was very well fed! On the walls are lovely memorials to the Shelley and Butler families. James Butler bought Warminghurst Park from the Quaker, William Penn - a trustee of the American province of West Jersey (later renamed Pennsylvania).

It is said that Penn wrote the first draft of Pennsylvania's constitution at Warminghurst Park. After buying Warminghurst however, James Butler demolished it, determined to remove all trace of the old Quaker. The harmonious interior and charm of the setting combine to make a visit to this church an unforgettable experience.

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

  • Facilities & Hire
    Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
  • Directions

    1.5 miles to the west of Ashington village which adjoins the A24.  In Ashington at the junction of London Road and Rectory Lane follow the Warminghurst Church brown tourist signs until the T junction with Park Lane.

  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Pulborough (5 miles).

  • History & Further Information

    Useful information:

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out about this church 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 we care for in Hampshire, Sussex & Surrey. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Community information

    Useful local links: