St Mary's Church, Walberton, Medieval Anglican church in Walberton, England
St Mary's Church in Walberton is a church building structured with a nave, chancel, and north and south aisles. The construction combines flint and brick elements, topped by a shingled spire rising from the weatherboarded belfry.
The church originated in the 11th century, with its nave dating to this period and arcades added in the 12th century. Archaeological discoveries within the walls and grounds have revealed fragments of Roman brick and Anglo-Saxon pottery.
The churchyard displays 18th-century gravestones with carved narratives. One particularly detailed gravestone from 1767 tells the story of Charles Cook's death beneath a falling tree.
The churchyard contains a section for ash interments marked with small stone plaques, as cremation has become the preference over traditional burial for many families. This quiet memorial area invites peaceful reflection during a visit.
The church roof shelters a maternity roost of Soprano Pipistrelle bats, with a peak count of around 340 individuals emerging from the eaves in 2002. These nocturnal mammals have made the building an important refuge.
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