SussexFALMERStLaurence(grassrootsgroundswellCC-BY-2.0)1 GrassrootsGroundswell

St Laurence

Set in a position of rural tranquillity next to the village pond, there has been a church on the site since at least the 11th century.

Falmer, Sussex

Opening times

Saturdays, 10am to 5pm, Sundays 9.30am to 5pm (service 10am to 11am).
For further details please us.

Address

East Street
Falmer
Sussex
BN1 9PG

St. Laurence is a rare example of a neo-Norman church. Re-built in 1817 and again in 1865 the exterior is flint faced with brick dressings.

Significant monuments include: coat of Arms of Queen Victoria on the east face of the organ loft; the decoration of the Pelham Buckle (insignia of the Earls of Chichester) on the font; boards with incumbents of both Falmer and Stanmer from 1385; plaques naming Frederick Walls,d1981 Churchwarden, whose family can be traced back to the Churchwarden village blacksmith d1607 and buried in the churchyard; 'Cherub Plaque' in memoriam five village children who all died within a fortnight in 1911, from diphtheria; Rolls of Honour on either side, of those who died in Great Wars; stained glass includes the Coat of Arms of the Earls of Chichester, a gold Chalice, the Cross of Glory ,the central scroll: 'Till He Comes', and the Holy Trinity entwined triangle.

The area around the church has been used for burials for many centuries; a testator in 1530 mentions a 'churchyard of Saynt Lawreans, Falmer'. As in many village churchyards, the names on the gravestones provide a history of families who lived and worked in Falmer over the centuries. The current burial ground, lies to the south of the pond.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Social heritage stories

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Level access throughout

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Twice yearly art exhibitions.

  • A small recital series of various genres of music is held from September to June.

  • Annual Flower Festival.

  • Sunday afternoon teas are held in the village hall (200m away) during the summer months.

  • Church of England

  • Foundation Grant, £421, 2020

  • Our Foundation Grants fund urgent maintenance work and small repairs to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Peter

Preston Park, Sussex

In a small, wooded churchyard adjoining Preston Manor, this simple 13th century flint church makes a pleasing medieval contrast with its suburban surroundings.

All Saints

Patcham, Sussex

A church is known to have stood on this site since before the compiling of the Doomsday Book in which Patcham was registered as Piceham.