Page:Notes on the churches in the counties of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey.djvu/354

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NOTES TO SUSSEX.

Unto whom I most humblie commend myself, much desiring God to maintain your health, your honour, your heart's ease.

Your lordshyp's serveant,      
At Lewes, March 24, 1538.
John Portmarus.

Dr. Mantell (Ramble, 49) gives the name as Portmari.

235. Southwick.—There can be no reasonable doubt, that one of the Domesday churches in the manor of Kingston stood at this place. Both parishes, which closely adjoin, are exceedingly small. The body of Southwick church has recently been rebuilt in very inferior taste, but the tower, which appears to be in a very dilapidated condition, is Norm. Remains of Roman foundations have been opened on the north-eastern side of the village. (Horsfield's Suss. II, 218.)

236. Stanmer.—Within a very few years this church has been entirely rebuilt.

237. Stedham.—A charter from Seffrid II, bishop of the diocese from A.D. 1180 to 1204, names not only the chapel of Stedham, but also that of Stedham Brigenessera. The latter I am unable to identify. See the Note on Lewes under St. John sub castro.

238. Steyning.—In (D.B.) this place is styled "burgum." The church is an evident example of the original plan for the building not having been completed. It now consists of a western tower, nave, north and south aisles, and chancel; which latter has recently been reconstructed, not in accordance with the rest of the church. The arches between the nave and aisles are round, highly enriched with Norm. ornaments in various patterns, with the exception of the extreme arch on either side to the west, which is quite plain, and the last piers are partially included in the wall; as if the arches and piers had been intended not to cease where they now do. The nave and aisles are rather narrow, but the former is very lofty, with round-headed clerestory windows, of which the upper portion only is glazed. Between the nave and chancel are four very high, substantial arches, apparently designed to support a central tower. The present tower was added at a later period, apparently after all idea of finishing the church of the size first contemplated had been finally abandoned. The eastern arches of the aisles, particularly of the southern, contain carving, rude, and very different in character from that elsewhere in the church, intimating them to be remaining portions