Wiggonholt Church, Pulborough

Description

The church was built c.1280 for a tenant of the Manor of Angmering as an estate church. It is on land formerly in late Roman occupation. A font bearing the chi rho was discovered nearby close to the site of a Roman Bathhouse and the Roman Greensand Way which runs east from Stane Street. The succession of patrons over centuries reflects the chequered ownership of a small agricultural estate. PRW2428 is thought to be a drovers’ road from the Downs to the market town of Pulborough.

The Church is in a remarkably calm and secluded spot. It is a simple stone rectangle, set in a conserved and uncultivated churchyard. It sits on a gentle slope which leads down to the R Arun. The hamlet is tiny and quiet with a simple L-shaped line of habitation leading to a dead end. The line of habitation of Wiggonholt may be largely unchanged since Roman times.

It is a conservation area within the South Downs National Park, while the church itself is listed Grade I.

The church is open between mid-morning and mid-afternoon most days of the year. Opening times cannot be guaranteed as it depends on the availability of local volunteers. The church is generally unattended.

Location

Church Lane, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, Sussex, RH20 2EQ, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: 50°56’26.19” N; 0°29’32.63” W; What 3 Words : “scariest.goal.searched”

By car: via A283 to Church Lane Wiggonholt (north of RSPB Pulborough Brooks)

By public transport (rail/bus): Pulborough Station (Southern Rail: Arun Valley Line, and hourly bus service from station to RSPB)

On foot: Via South Downs Way, Houghton, Amberley, Rackham, Amberley Wild Brooks, Pulborough Brooks, all on public footpath PRW network. The Church abuts PRW2428

Facilities

No steps, gently sloping access, but access to the church is by a grass pathway that can become slippery when wet.
The church has no public services, that is no toilet, water or electricity. Illumination during services is by candles and oil lamps.
(It is an insurance requirement that lighted candles and other sources of ignition are not left in the unattended church.)
The nearby RSPB Visitor Centre has toilets and refreshments.
There is a bench in the churchyard. The approach to the Church has sweeping view over the Amberley Wild Brook and Pulborough Brooks

It would be suitable for quiet days for individuals or a group, within the constraints of the limited facilities.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Janet Aidin,
The Old Rectory,
Wiggonholt
Pulborough
West Sussex
RH20 2EL

Tel: 01798 872531

Email:

Web Link

https://wildbrookschurches.org.uk/

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