South Harting church

the church of St. Mary and St. Gabriel

The church of St Mary and St Gabriel enjoys an elevated position dominating the village of South Harting, at the foot of the wooded slopes of the South Downs. It forms a well-known landmark with its light green steeple and serves East and West Harting as well as Nyewood.

For over 1000 years Christians have assembled here. This fine medieval building of brick, stone and cement rendering witnesses to their worship of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The church is of cruciform shape and dates mainly from the 14th century. The walls of the nave may date from before the Conquest. An originally narrow church may have been enlarged in the 13th century. Aisles, transepts and a tower were added in the 14th century, along with some of the windows with their finely designed tracery.

In the churchyard is a tall narrow cross sculpted as a war memorial in Portland stone, by the modern sculptor and typographer Eric Gill. Around its base are simple reliefs, one of George and the Dragon, beneath the names those who died in the Great War. Just outside the churchyard are the parish stocks and a whipping post equipped with three sets of wrist irons.

To learn more of this church and the services that take place here, use the links below.