Welcome
What We Do
About the Friends
What we're here for
FOHKC has been formed to raise long-term funds to preserve and enhance our village Church and its Churchyard. We would like to involve the whole community in helping to maintain this treasured building that forms a core part of our lovely village.
Whether we are churchgoers or not, it is a building that touches many of our lives in different ways, from the beginning to the end.
St Giles has seen centuries come and go and we want your help in safe-guarding its future for generations to come.
This is not a one-off fund raising exercise but one that aims to encourage long-term contributions, however small and whether financial or through service.We hope you find this website interesting and are moved to become a member.
Our Church & Churchyard
In 1938, the then Rector, Frank Stenton Eardley, wrote a book "The Church and Parish of St Giles" in which he said: "I cannot help envying the man who may record the sequel to this book in the year 2038, when the dark shadows will have passed and everything and everybody will wear a happier aspect than is possible today."
What would he think today, nearly 75 years on? The tower and steeple of St Giles Church stands as the landmark it always was, and life in the village is as closely tied to the church through its links with the school and its regular services. The fabric of the building would be completely familiar to him, though he might appreciate the heating and the new internal glass doors.
The small doorway in the north wall and chisel marks on the tower arches are the oldest elements of the building, dating from the Saxon period. But it is thought there may have been an earlier place of worship here at the crossing of important Sussex pathways.
The Normans largely rebuilt St Giles. Remains of the Norman windows can be found in the south walls. The new church was of cruciform plan with a central tower and transepts to north and south (now the vestry), a nave to the west and a chancel to the east.
The Norman design was modified by the addition of the Marie de Bradehurst chapel on the south side (demolished around 1850, though traces are still visible) and the existing Lady Chapel on the north side of the nave. The south porch was added some time in the 1600s.
The Norman tower with its later spire is perhaps the most loved feature, being visible from many miles away. It leans to the west and is buttressed on two sides as well as being tied. Its roof is shingled with cedar and was last replaced during the 1960s. There are three bells, with the oldest dating back to 1604.
Within the church there is an interesting memorial in the figure of a little Crusader in the north wall of the chancel. The effigy is that of a recumbent Crusader with a lion at his feet. It represents a knight of the reign of Henry III or Edward I and is probably a heart shrine. Stained glass windows by C.E. Kemp are to be found in both the east and west walls of the church.
The churchyard is a part of daily life for many as it offers a safe and friendly route to school. It is also a resting place for many villagers and a quick look around reveals many familiar names. Additionally, there is one very famous name to be found, that of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, who is buried with members of his family in the eastern section of the churchyard.
Upcoming Events
We organise a wide variety of events - check back here for what is happening
Open Gardens Day
19 June 2021
A lovely village event, we have more than 25 gardens signed up! Come and join us for cake and a cuppa.
Annual Meeting
30 June 2021 at 7.30pm
You are warmly invited to our Annual Meeting in the church.
Variety Night
November 2021
Dust off your piano, stretch those dancing shoes and show the village what your talent is.
Musical Performance
November 2022
Back by popular demand......a musical!
Gallery
Photos from our events
