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61. All Hallows, Tillington
This twelfth century church lies on a hill just west of Petworth. From the A272 below, the tall tower is a real landmark. Rebuilt in 1807 by Lord Egremont as an eye-catcher on the edge of his Petworth estate it is crowned by an unusual 'Scots Crown' spire. Tradition says that the famous painter Turner may have designed it following a visit to the estate in 1809. Later, in 1837, it was painted by John Constable. The tower is buttressed to ground level and contains three bells dated 1572, 1622 and 1651. The interior is somewhat gloomy but one attractive feature is the round west window high up in the wall. The glass dates from 1906 and is in memory of Arthur and Frances Nattalli. In lovely greens and blues it appears to show Christ blessing some angels. The chancel was extended in 1807-37. The east window commemorates the Rev. Robert Ridsdale who died in 1876. The floor is of Sussex marble. On the north wall is a portrait-monument to Rev. Dr James Stanier Clarke, a close friend of the Prince Regent, who died in Tillington in 1834. On the south wall is a three colour marble monument to William Mitford and his second wife Sarah Wicker who both died in 1777.
The six sided oak pulpit is 19th century whilst the brass lectern of eagle wing design commemorates Squadron Leader Barrington-Kennett R.F.C. who was killed in 1916. Along the south wall is a brass commemorating William Spencer, Steward at Cowdray 'of great discretion' who died in 1593. Another brass, below a St Cecilia window, is to the Rev. Dr William Cox, an outspoken Royalist who in 1654 worsted the Puritan theologian Fisher in a great debate over infant baptism. Another unusual monument is to Henry Stiles a Tillington man who died 'a merchant in Moscow' in 1714 and left £50 for the poor of the parish. Especially interesting to me was a rare memorial to four men of the parish 'who perished in the wars of Crimea 1855'. They were Henry Booker 95 Regiment, James Bridger and John Tribe of 6 Dragoons and Alfred Tribe of the Coldstream Guards. Since my wife was a Tribe (of Sussex origins) research may perhaps establish a family connection? It so happens her father served in the Coldstream Guards and she has a brother John!
On the north wall is an older military memorial to Lt. John Ayling of the 42 Regiment who was "slain in the trenches before Badajos on 6 April 1812" aged 27. Never before have I seen a Peninsular War memorial in a parish church. A brass underneath commemorates his brother William who died in 1853 as Rector of Barlavington. Next to it is a poignant World War One memorial to the local doctor Charles Wilson M.B. a Captain in the R.A.M.C. who died of wounds near St. Quentin in April 1918. Rather oddly standing on the floor below these memorials is a 1928 horse plough used by a local farmer. Further along the aisle is the ancient 600 year old parish chest. Other features to note include the pine boarded roof with dormer windows let into it and the palm tree leaves to be seen at the top of the pillars on the south arcade. The font is a plain 8 sided 12th century stone font lead lined on a stone base. In the south aisle is a Mitford window showing Christ as the Good Shepherd and the Light of the World based on the famous Holman Hunt painting. Above the chancel arch is the Royal Arms board painted in 1661 to commemorate the Restoration of Charles II. JOHN SYMONDS |
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page last updated 27 AUGUST 2002 |
