St Mary's Church, Goring-by-Sea

St Mary's Church is a church in Goring-by-Sea near Worthing with Gothic Revival features. It contains 12th-century arcades running through the nave, a west-facing tower topped with a spire, and preserves brass effigies set into the stone walls throughout the interior.

The building began as a Norman church but underwent major redesign in 1837 when merchant David Lyon commissioned architect Decimus Burton to transform it in the Gothic Revival style. This project blended the original Norman elements with new architectural features that define the church today.

The church displays a mural created by German artist Hans Feibusch in 1954, which sparked discussions about how modern art fits within religious spaces. This work remains visible in the interior and shows how contemporary artistic expression became part of the building's character.

The building welcomes visitors during daylight hours, with morning and early afternoon offering the best light for viewing the interior details. Wear comfortable shoes as you explore, and note that access involves steps at the entrance.

The church was originally part of the growing community connected to Worthing's development as a coastal resort. The way it preserves both Norman and Gothic Revival elements side by side makes it unusual, as most churches of this era chose one style over another rather than blending both.

Location: Worthing

Architects: Decimus Burton

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://goringbyseacofe.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.81300,-0.42460

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21