St John the Evangelist Church, Newtimber

Across South Africa, National Heritage Day is celebrated on 24th September during which they recognise and celebrate their roots and their rich diverse cultural heritage, and St John the Evangelist at Newtimber is inextricably connected to this day of remembrance and celebration. 670 soldiers from the Eastern Cape were drowned in the sinking of SS Mendi in 1917. A memorial stone was laid at Newtimber church to commemorate their chief Henry Bokleni Ngamase, who led eligible warriors from his tribe to serve the British crown.

It was at the request of Lord Buxton of Newtimber who was Governor General of South Africa at the time, that led to the exodus of warriors from Africa to support the British war effort. The villagers heard nothing of what became of that entire generation of lost men.

Further to this more recent history, it has been revealed that the church has considerable heritage related to Africa and the enslavement of African people in the Caribbean, in which compensation paid for the emancipation of 403 enslaved Africans was spent on constructing the church tower.

There is significant archival material to be revealed about all three major, global and historic events, which have conspired to rest in this rural church in the middle of Sussex.
HOD offers us a platform to invite individuals, develop networks and engage with interested and diverse groups who would like to work with us to explore, reveal and share the history that is embedded in this historic building.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

10.30 - 14.30

Location & directions

Newtimber Church, Church Lane, Newtimber, nr Brighton, West Sussex, BN6 9BT

Directions:

Drive north out of Brighton and come off at the HENFIELD A281 junction, just before the Texaco garage. Stay on the A281 for 2 km and the sign for Newtimber Church is just after the hill on your right. Park along Church Lane.

Contact on day:

Ngaire Digby

Telephone number:

+447595255427

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The brick path from the road to the church is wide enough for a wheelchair, but a bit bumpy. Plenty of parking along Church Lane.

Additional information

On 7th September we hope to invite speakers to talk about the history & significance of the church between 10.30 - 12.30. Refreshments will be available from 10.30 -2 .30. We have woodland and exploratory activities for young children available in the entrance. They are available for visitors now and throughout the summer. The churchyard is always a wonderful place to sit and rest. Bring a picnic, especially if it's sunny. Newtimber church is open all year round and welcomes ramblers, D of E, scouts, school parties, cyclists, Brighton Fringe, recitals & talks.

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