Church in the Wood

Church in the Wood is a medieval parish church located within ancient woodland in Hollington, Hastings, featuring a traditional layout with nave, chancel, and bell tower. The structure displays Gothic architectural elements throughout, from its stonework to its interior details.

The church was founded in 1201, replacing an 11th-century chapel that was already mentioned in a 1139 will belonging to the Count of Eu. This continuity demonstrates the site's long religious importance dating back to the Norman period.

Local parishioners chose to maintain and repair the original structure in 1847 rather than replace it, leading to significant renovations in 1865.

The church remains the final private burial ground in Hastings Borough, with burial records dating back to 1606. Visitors should be aware this is an active place of worship and access may be limited at certain times.

The bell tower contains a medieval bell cast between 1371 and 1392, representing one of the oldest continuously preserved church bells in the region. This bell still rings today, creating an unbroken sound link across several centuries of local history.

Location: Hastings

Inception: 13 century

Website: http://stleonardsandstannes.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.87426,0.53802

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10