Bolney, Sussex

St Mary Magdalene Church in Bolney.

The nave and chancel are built in the Early English style and date from about the middle of the 12th century. View down the nave towards the chancel. The north aisle was added in 1853\54.

The chancel has been altered many times but some 13th century features can be seen. The high round window in the east wall is one of the oldest features.

The tower was added in 1536 by John Bolney. It contains a peel of eight bells- until 1720 they were the only peel of eight in Sussex.

The round headed window in both side walls of the chancel are late 13th century and the piscine in the south wall is also 13th century.

On the south east exterior wall of the nave is a ‘scratch dial or ‘mass dial’ The purpose of the dials is unclear according to the guide book. They may have been used to time the ringing of the church bells to mark the canonical hours.

In the graveyard are some unusual ‘barrel graves’ from the early 1600’s and are unique to Bolney churchyard.

The lychgate is quite impressive and dates from 1905.

Wood carvers also seem to have been at work in the churchyard.