The Bells of Lodsworth, West Sussex

Perched down a quiet, hilly lane in the South Downs, the Church of St Peter in Lodsworth is more than just a village landmark — it is a living tapestry of centuries of faith, community, and architectural change. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, with a 14th-century tower, the church reflects at once medieval foundations and Victorian ambition. Over time, it was enlarged and restored: in the mid-19th century the nave gained aisles, and a neo-Norman south transept was added, while the medieval west tower remained as a proud anchor of its older character.

Though small in scale, St Peter’s has always served a larger spiritual role than its modest dimensions suggest. For much of its history it was not an independent parish church but a chapel under the care of the Augustinian Priory at Easebourne. From this dependency emerged a succession of clergy serving Lodsworth as “Perpetual Curates,” many of whom left lasting marks on the fabric and life of the church. Over time, restorations were carried out with varying degrees of intervention, seeking to balance preserving ancient masonry with meeting the practical needs of worship.

One of the most poignant features of St Peter’s is its connection to pilgrimage and local devotion. Nearby lies St Peter’s Well, which in the Middle Ages was a site of pilgrimage and veneration; some believe the presence of this sacred spring helped give rise to the church itself. Inside the porch, a modern stained-glass window presents St Nicholas as a guardian figure — a recent artistic touch amid the centuries-old stone.

St Peter’s is protected as a Grade II* listed building, recognising both its architectural merit and historic importance. Its structure is a composite of periods: the tower and nave base hark back to the medieval church, while its aisles, chancel, and transepts display the care and ambition of 19th-century restoration. The churchyard itself is the resting place of notable local figures — including E. H. Shepard, the beloved illustrator of Winnie the Pooh and The Wind in the Willows — whose grave draws visitors and admirers alike.

Yet St Peter’s remains not simply a museum piece. It continues to serve the community, both in its everyday worship and in the quieter moments of reflection brought by its peaceful setting. The stones and glass, the benches and windows, all whisper stories of generations who gathered here — praying, mourning, celebrating life’s passages. To walk inside is to pause in a space where time and faith intersect. (Thanks to ChatGPT for helping me with the majority of this footnote).

The tower holds a ring of six bells. The back four were cast in 1891 by Mears & Stainbank, and were augmented to six with the addition of two trebles in 1966 by John Taylor & Co. They were rehung in a new metal frame lower in the tower in 1988 by Eayre & Smith. The ringing chamber is ground floor.

6 bells, 6½cwt in B.