St Peter Offham - St Peter Hamsey
St Peter Hamsey
The Parish of Hamsey is unusual in having two churches both dedicated to St Peter, the ‘new’ church on the main road dating from 1860 and the ‘old’ church at Hamsey which is over 1000 years old. Both are part of the Church of England, the Diocese of Chichester.
Why two churches? Over time the population moved from Hamsey to Offham leaving the old church remote, with access difficult especially in the winter when there were just muddy tracks. The Rector described it as most “unsuitable and inconvenient” and eventually the present Victorian church was built at Offham.
Old Hamsey Church survived – just – as it has been under threat of abandonment and demolition twice and each time rescued by those who loved it. Its very location has saved it and its future now secured by the Friends of Hamsey who now care for the building. It is also the site of the Parish churchyard which is still in use. Hamsey church was used as a location in the making of the film My Cousin Rachel.
Many of you have a particular association with this ancient and very lovely church and its setting. Perhaps you were married, baptised, or confirmed there, or have family resting in the churchyard. Do you visit as part of a pleasant walk and somewhere for a picnic? Many value the site for its biodiversity; home to our several bat species – and of course our now famous Lizard Orchid!
As you can see, the fence on the lane side of the church-yard needs replacing and we need to get on and do this while the grass is cleared and in preparation for next year, this project has been privately funded by a loan, but this must be repaid. There are 48 ‘bays’ (a post and two rails).
I am hoping to find 48 people who will sponsor a bay for £60.
The bays will be numbered, and we plan to bring together a record of sponsors together with the reason you want to help care for this church. This will be kept in the church as a record for historic interest. I believe the present last fence has lasted over 30 years!
Can you help us raise this money? If so read and complete the sponsor form attached to this link and follow the instructions.
Please spread the word to anyone you know who may wish to be involved and thank you for helping us.
Click here to visit Friends of Hamsey Church
Click here for a detailed history and description on the
Sussex Parish Churches website
