Chapel of St Wilfrid, Church Norton
(SZ 872957)
Church Norton - Tour 2000
The south wall and west end - blocked chancel arch
On the shores of Pagham Harbour, the Church is the 13th century Chancel of
the Parish church of St Peter which was moved 1 mile south in 1864, to be near
the centre of population. Under Canon Law the Chancel cannot be moved so it was
sealed at the 12th century Chancel Arch. It is now in the care of 'The Churches
Conservation Trust' as a redundant building, though still occasionally used for
services.
The site is thought to be the location of the Cathedral built by St Wilfrid
after bringing Christianity to the South Saxon kingdom in AD 681. The See was
later moved to Chichester. There is a curved earthwork to the south which still
hides it's secrets. Various suggestions have dated it from the Armada back to
the Saxons.
The pink/beige tinge to the walls is a result of the traditional protective
lime wash treatment given to the walls.
