St Mary, Petworth

St Mary's lies to the north of the little town's historic centre, against the imposing walls of Petworth House. Its imposing but rather modern-looking tower is rather unexpected, though, and betrays the church's complex building history.

For starters, the plan is unusual: a cruciform church to which has been added a much wider south aisle than north, and a large chapel north of the chancel. This reflects a building sequence where the mediaeval church - from which the chancel (13th century), St Thomas's Chapel (12th century) and north arcade (14th century) survive - was heavily restored by Sir Charles Barry in 1827. He also raised the short mediaeval tower in brick, and then stuccoed it with a small spire. A further restoration by Kempe & Tower in 1903 added the south arcade and various fittings - the organ case, rood screen and reredos. The tower's spire and stucco was removed in 1947, giving the church its current appearance.

All this yields a rather strange interior: the south aisle and north transept are largely empty, and the former baptistry in the south transept (under the tower) is roped off and used for storage. But the nave has a pretty painted ceiling, and both nave and north chapel are filled with monuments and there is Kempe's stained glass.

The furnishings of interest are the monuments, and pride of place goes to the rather naive 16th century tomb recess in the north chapel, to Sir John Dawtrey (d. 1542) ands his wife. This mixes Gothic and Renaissance elements, and the figures, posed facing each other, have been prettily painted. A couple of monuments are by the celebrated John Flaxman (1755-1826) and, in the north aisle, sits a life-size, seated monument to George O'Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (d. 1837) by Edward Hodges Baily. Though lifelike, his countenance is grim and severe - so it is surprising to learn that he was both a patron of Turner and Constable, and sired no fewer than forty illegitimate children.

St Mary's has a traditional pattern of Eucharistic services, and a range of events including afternoon tea & cake and coffee mornings, and a mother's and toddler's group. The church is also supported by its own Friend's group.

St Mary's, Church Street, Petworth GU28 0AD