St Mary's Church, Sompting, Sussex - Tours/Medieval re-enactment

There’s been a church at Sompting since before the Norman conquest of the 11th century. The oldest part of the building is the Saxon Tower, which has stonework that has been dated as pre-1000AD. Inside, there are beautiful Saxon stone carvings.  The church has associations with the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaller.

On the 12th and 13th of September, the Haestingas will be transporting Sompting Church back to the year 1000! The interior of the church will be awash with ecclesiastical activity, with manuscripts being illustrated and reliquaries produced. Outside, the secular community who support the church will be busy, displaying crafts and producing food. Come and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Sompting as they would have been when this wonderful structure was new! 

The Tower and Spire
The Saxon Tower, now standing around 25 metres high with walls 76cm thick, is thought to have been built in stages. The first stage, probably constructed before 1000AD; the second stage dates from approximately 1050AD.
The spire is the earliest example of a ‘Rhenish helm’ in England.
Guide sheet for those not on a tour.
Harvest Festival service 09:00 final Sunday followed by Sompting Morris.

The Church, in the South Downs National Park, is normally open once a week for visitors and once a month for a service.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1000-1600; Tours: 1030, 1230 & 1430

Sunday 13 September:

1100-1600; Tours 11:30, 14:30

Tuesday 15 September:

1000-1600; Tours: 1030, 1230 & 1430

Wednesday 16 September:

1000-1600; Tours: 1030, 1230 & 1430

Thursday 17 September:

1000-1600; Tours: 1030, 1230 & 1430

Friday 18 September:

1000-1600; Tours: 1030, 1230 & 1430

Saturday 19 September:

1000-1600; 1030, 1230 & 1430

Sunday 20 September:

1100-1600; Service 09:00; Tours: 1130, 1430

Location & directions

Church Lane, Sompting, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 0AZ

Directions:

Vehicle approach is from the West along the A27. Turn left at Church Lane. Car park is before the church. Public transport (not on Sundays) to Lyons Farm and walk across the fields.

Contact on day:

Mrs Judy Excell

Telephone number:

+447399231204

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Pre-booking for guided tours preferred, however you can take a chance that there will be room on a tour.

Booking contact name:

Mrs Judy Excell

Booking telephone number:

+441903245639

Booking email:

[email protected]

Accessibility details

Wheelchair access is difficult but not impossible. The paths rise and need a certain degree of fitness. There is a single unisex toilet.

Additional information

12-13 September Medieval re-enactment weekend with Haestingas Regias. Harvest Festival Service Sunday 20 September 09:00 followed by Morris Dancing. Seats around the churchyard.

Max number of people:

12

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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