Coombes Church

Coombes Church is a Grade I listed building built in Anglo-Saxon style on a steep slope, with a 16th-century porch that leads down four steps into the nave below. The structure sits in a distinctive position on the downland, shaped to fit its challenging landscape.

The church appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name Cumbe and dates back to the Saxon period, though Norman builders substantially rebuilt it in the late 11th century. This reconstruction shaped much of what visitors see today.

The walls contain layers of painted decoration from different periods, showing religious figures and a seated figure in royal dress. These overlapping images reflect how people added their own artistic touches across the centuries.

Access is via local roads, and the building sits on an operating farm's grounds, so visitors should be respectful of the working environment. The rural setting requires some planning before visiting, as there are limited facilities nearby.

The church bell was cast in France around 1150 and ranks as the second oldest bell in the Sussex region. This medieval bell has survived centuries while most others from that era have disappeared or been replaced.

Location: Coombes

Inception: 11 century

Architectural style: Anglo-Saxon architecture

GPS coordinates: 50.86070,-0.30970

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10