Chapel on the Hill

Welcome to Chapel on the Hill Sedlescombe. The church was built in 1879 by the men of the village who used to meet on the village green.

Sedlescombe, Sussex

Opening times

Open by appointment.

Address

Chapel Hill
Sedlescombe
Sussex
TN33 0QX

Imagine worshipping God on the village green on a beautiful summers evening. What could be better? Imagine worshipping God on the village green on a cold winters evening. What could be worse.

In the 1880s Sedlescombe's young men were on fire for the Lord, cold would not stop them gathering for worship. They rented barns and other outbuildings until funds were raised to construct the new church building. In just five months the church was built. On Wednesday 26th November 1879 crowds gathered for the opening. The ground was covered in snow but still the people came. The chapel was built to seat 200, but there were many more there that day taking up every inch of space.

The chapel designed by Thomas Elsworthy and built by William Bourns of St Leonards cost £500. On the day of opening £30m still had to be found to balance the books. The building was constructed of brick with terra cotta dressing. Such is the strength of the building that when in November 2016 during storm Angus, a large ash tree fell onto the roof causing much damage, but no collapse! The structural engineer at the time noted that a building constructed after WW1 would almost certainly have caved in.

In 1906 a resolution was passed to build a manse for an evangelist, the house was built in 1907, it is still used today for the same purpose. Much more can be told of the history and can be read in 'The Chapel on the Hill' written by Roy Smith.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Social heritage stories

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Café within 500m

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access throughout

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Light & Life dementia friendly cafe on the last Friday of each month.

  • United Reformed Church

Contact information

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