St James' Church, Birdham, church in Chichester, UK
St James' Church in Birdham is a stone and brick church building with simple design, a pitched roof, and old windows located on Church Lane in the village. The interior features a plain open space with wooden pews facing a small altar at the front and light filtering through tall, narrow windows.
The church was built in the early 1300s with some parts possibly dating to the 1100s, featuring plain rounded doorways. The tower was originally planned in the 1300s but was largely constructed in the 1500s, funded by donations recorded between 1540 and 1546.
The church serves as a gathering place for the Birdham community, hosting regular services, weddings, baptisms, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Visitors notice how the tall steeple remains a visual landmark for the village and how the building continues to anchor local life and traditions.
The church is located on Church Lane in Birdham and is easily accessible with parking nearby and within walking distance from the village center. The building is open to visitors during weekdays and Sundays, providing opportunity for viewing and quiet reflection.
The church roof features unusual upward-curving supports called crownposts, a rare construction method that can still be seen today. One floor tile with heraldic symbols dates to around 1302, showing that parts of the church floor have existed for over 700 years.
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