St Mary

St Mary's stands in water meadows beside the young River Adur, close to the white windmill made famous as the fictional home of Jonathan Creek of TV fame.

Shipley, Sussex

Opening times

Sorry, there are no regular opening times for this church.

Address

Church Close
Shipley
Sussex
RH13 8PH

This 19th century smock mill belonged to the poet Hilaire Belloc for nearly 50 years until his death in 1953. Another famous name connected with Shipley church is that of the composer John Ireland, who died in 1962 and is buried in the churchyard. He is commemorated by a slate memorial in the church.

The building, of the mid 12th century, has largely retained its original form, including a sturdy tower supported on Norman arches. The rather stern appearance of the church may reflect the fact that it was built for the Knights Templar.

Later embellishments include an alabaster monument of 1616 to Sir Thomas Caryll and his family, and 19th and early 20th century stained glass. A detail in one of the south windows shows Shipley Windmill with its original brown tiled cap.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St George

West Grinstead, Sussex

Standing in a pleasantly rural setting on the edge of the Weald, with its 13th century tower and shingled broach spire overlooking the River Adur.

Holy Sepulchre

Warminghurst, Sussex

A country gem from a gentler era.

St Peter

Cowfold, Sussex

The churchyard has something of the character of a village green because of the array of cottages that overlook it, including Margaret Cottages, once the parish workhouse.