St Margaret's Church, West Hoathly

St Margaret's Church is a stone church built in the Norman style with an extended nave, chancel, and multiple stained glass windows from different periods. The building has been expanded over centuries while retaining its original architectural character.

The church was founded in the 11th century and underwent multiple medieval expansions that doubled its size. These changes reflected the growing importance of the site as a religious center for the surrounding area.

The church functions as a gathering place where the local community marks important occasions and personal milestones throughout the year. The building and its spaces tell stories about how faith has shaped daily life in this village across centuries.

The churchyard is organized on six terraced levels with diverse plant species throughout, offering different ways to explore the grounds at your own pace. The terraced design allows for a gradual walk and natural resting points.

The south door, added in 1626, displays its construction date in an unusual way using wrought iron nails hammered into the wood to spell out the year. This handcrafted detail is a rare reminder of how builders marked their work centuries ago.

Location: West Hoathly

Inception: 11 century

Architectural style: Norman architecture

Website: http://westhoathly.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.07660,-0.05570

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00