vatica" signifies woods, or wild, park-like spots, Frant is much more likely to be intended than Ferring. A.D. 791 Aldwlf, duke of the South Saxons, gave a small piece of wood, "aliquantulam siluae partem," to the church of St. Andrew at Ferring. (Cod. Dipl. V, 53.) The mention of wood decidedly agrees with the situation of Frant, better than with that of Ferring; as any one must acknowledge, who is well acquainted with the nature of the country at and around those two places.[1]
94. Findon.—This church contains two stone seats with a door between them. (Cartwright.)
95. Firle.—Under the designation of West Firle this vicarage is annexed to that of Beddingham. (Clergy List.)—Adjoining the chancel of the church on the northern side is a large and lofty chapel, now used as the burying-place of Vise. Gage's family. (Horsfield's Lewes, II, 97.) Of Lord Gage's mansion in this parish it is stated, that the walls of the back part "are of vast thickness, and the ceilings low;" as if they may be the remains of a much earlier building. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 337.)
96. Fishbourne—Is styled "New" in distinction from "Old Fishbourne," which belongs to the adjoining parish of Bosham. This small church has very recently been rebuilt, except the chancel, which appears to contain one original window. N.B. The building was not entered.—A.D. 1812 Roman remains were found near the road passing through this parish from Chichester (Regnum) to Portchester (Portus Magnus). (Horsfield's Suss. II, 52.)
97. Fletching.—This is the most considerable church in the district, and one of much interest. It consists of chancel, north and south transepts, nave with north and south aisles, south porch, and western tower with a shingled spire. The tower is Norm., in construction and want of a staircase resembling that of Bosham, though the walls of the latter are perhaps rather the thickest. High in the sides are double windows divided by balusters having Norm, capitals, and the door opening into the church has a semicircular arch with a zigzag moulding. At some later period the tower has been supported by diagonal buttresses. The entire body of the church seems to be E.E., though a recently discovered portion of a round-headed window, which is intersected by the western arch on the south side of the nave, raises a suspicion that, there at least, some of the wall of the original Norm. building may remain. It is also stated, that foundations still exist on both sides between the present piers a
