Chithurst Church The Church of St.Mary, Chithurst, became the Chapelry of Trotton Parish Church on the 12th December 1956. The church is thought to be built on a Pagan burial mound overlooking the River Rother some time before 1086 when it was included in Domesday. The history of the church is scant. In 1291 the church was omitted from the Taxation of Pope Nicholas because of its poverty. In the 14th century Chithurst manor belonged to the de Vesseler family, held from the Husseys of Harting There is a record of a wedding being held there in 1364, between William Elkham and Agne ate Merssch being “enrolled in the missal at Chithurst”. But it was not until the 16th century that records appear in any detail. Close by the church is a grand manor house, this was built around 1500s, it was most properly built by William Bettesworth who is described as a “yeman”.

Shows church built on a mound, ( Pagan site)

The chancel and nave both date from the 11th century, but it is not certain if the building is late Saxon or very early Norman. The windows dated from the 14th century. The front, probably in its original position is 12th century. The pews date from the 16th century, alter rails are 17th century.

Simple interior of the church.

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Churchyard has some interesting grave stones.

It is of interest that in 1757 the Rev, John Denham having spent the afternoon with the Rector of Stedham, as he was returning home over the fields to Iping, he was stabbed in the neck, his skull being fractured. A man was charged with murder, his name was Aps, and he was tried at Horsham and hanged.

St.Mary, Chithurst, 11th century.

St. Mary’s Church. It is thought that there would have been a Saxon, then a Norman church at Iping, but no information seems to exist, the first church of which records survive was built in 1190 by the Musard family, Lords of the manor of Iping at that time, and by 1782 consisted of a nave and chancel. Iping church you see today was totally rebuilt in 1885, little remains of the much early church.

Iping Church, St.Marys.

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Victorian rebuild, but very effective.