St Mary and St Peter's Church, Wilmington

St Mary and St Peter's Church is a parish church in Wilmington with Norman architectural features including a long chancel, a north chapel, and a south aisle running alongside the nave. The building is constructed from stone and was designed to serve both the local community and monks from the nearby priory.

The building was constructed around 1150 with a direct connection to the adjacent priory, creating a shared religious purpose between the church and monastic community. Later additions, particularly Victorian elements, reflect how the building adapted to changing needs over subsequent centuries.

Inside are decorative elements from different periods: a font from the 14th century, a pulpit made during the Jacobean era, and stained glass windows added in Victorian times, showing how the space evolved.

The main areas are accessible at ground level, and parking is available near the site for visitors exploring the South Downs. Accessible facilities are provided, making the visit suitable for people with different mobility needs.

An ancient yew tree in the churchyard has grown there for about 1600 years, showing that this location held spiritual meaning long before the current stone building was constructed. Such old trees are often found at sacred sites that have seen many different periods of faith.

Location: Long Man

Inception: 12 century

Architects: Sharpe, Paley and Austin

Architectural style: Norman architecture

Website: http://berwickchurch.org.uk/wilmington%20church%20guide.html

GPS coordinates: 50.81750,0.19060

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:01