St Andrew's Church, Alfriston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church, Alfriston |
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 St Andrew's Church, Alfriston
Location in East Sussex
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| 50°48′23″N 0°9′28″E / 50.80639°N 0.15778°E | |
| OS grid reference | TQ 52151 03001 |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1366 |
| Dedication | St Andrew |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation |
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| Designated | 30 Aug 1966 |
| Style | Greek Cross |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 115 feet (35 m) |
| Nave width | 70 feet (21 m) |
| Bells | 6 |
St Andrew's Church is a very old and special church located in Alfriston, a village in East Sussex, England. It was built a long time ago, in the 1370s. People sometimes call it the 'Cathedral of the Downs' because it's so impressive. The church sits on a small hill near the River Cuckmere and has a beautiful graveyard around it. It's built in a unique shape, like a Greek Cross. This church is also a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historic place.
Contents
Discovering St Andrew's Church
A Mystery from the Past
No one knows for sure who paid for St Andrew's Church to be built. All parts of the church look like they were built at the same time. This usually happens when one person or family pays for everything. They would often be buried inside or near the church. However, St Andrew's doesn't have any grand tombs or records that tell us who its patron might have been. There wasn't even a local Lord of the Manor at that time.
Unique Features of the Church
On the outside, near the south entrance, you can find a special Canonical sundial. This sundial is from the 14th century, just like the church itself. It was originally on a different wall and was moved when the porch was added.
The church's design shows a mix of two old building styles: Decorated and Perpendicular. This means it was built during a time when architectural styles were changing.
Inside the central tower, there are six bells. What's unusual is that these bells are rung from the main floor of the church, called the chancel. The oldest bell is from around 1400. Two others are from 1698, and one from 1811. These three were remade in 1928 when a sixth bell was added. The last bell is from 1819 and was also remade in 1955.
Every year, the church sets up a model Christmas Nativity display on the altar. It's a lovely tradition for the community.
Right next to St Andrew's Church is the Alfriston Clergy House. This historic house is owned by the National Trust, an organization that protects important places in England.
Outside the Church
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This is the Canonical sundial on the church wall.
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Here you can see where the sundial is located on the church.
