Greatham Church

Greatham Church is a stone parish church consisting of a single room with walls built from ironstone, chalk, flint, and Roman-era masonry of varying sizes. The construction uses materials from different periods, showing how builders worked with whatever stone was available locally over time.

Construction began around 1100, serving the marshland communities between Pulborough and Amberley with shepherds forming the primary congregation. This rural location shaped how the church functioned as a spiritual center for scattered farming families across generations.

The interior holds 19th-century Gothic Revival features, including a two-decker pulpit, box pews, and a 17th-century altar rail that shape the worship space. These elements show how the congregation organized itself for services and reflect the customs of worship that developed over time.

Services occur twice monthly, so checking the schedule ahead is important for planning a visit. The church sits in open farmland and is best approached on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for weather changes in the countryside.

Five soldiers from the Battle of Greatham Bridge during the English Civil War are buried beside the church wall. These graves stand as a quiet reminder of a violent moment in local history that many visitors pass by without noticing.

Location: Parham

Inception: 11 century

Architectural style: Norman architecture

GPS coordinates: 50.93400,-0.51580

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:04