West Sussex Church Wallpaintings saved for posterity in 2024

Supported by a dynamic local fundraising campaign, Natural England, the National Churches Trust, Allchurches Trust, the Church Buildings Council, the Leche Trust and the Idlewild Trust, the community of Trotton and their friends launched a project to clean and restore the 14th century wallpaintings in a historic church in West Sussex.

Discovered under whitewash in 1904 , the paintings were variously conserved over the next hundred years using different conservation methods . The project for 2024 was to undertake a painstaking cleaning process to remove the old wax and varnish previously applied , and to bring out the detail in the original pigments used in the 14th century.

The entire west wall is covered by a rather unusual painting of the Last Judgement. Jesus, reigns in judgement, seated on a rainbow, as the angels welcome or repel the souls approaching. The Evil Man is surrounded by a fearsome creature and the Seven Deadly sins emerge from dragons' teeth. In contrast the roundels around the hooded Good Man , illustrate the Seven Acts of Mercy.

Scrolls in Latin, previously faint, are now clear, with "Spes", Fides" and "Caritas" springing to life again in this large scale depiction.

The Church is open 24/7 for visitors to admire the work.

Timings & Tours

Friday 06 September:

Self guided tour with guidebook 1000-1600

Saturday 07 September:

Self guided tour with guidebook 1000-1600

Monday 09 September:

Self guided tour with guide book 1000-1600

Tuesday 10 September:

Self guided tour with guide book 1000-1600

Wednesday 11 September:

Guided or Self guided tour with guidebook 1100-1600

Thursday 12 September:

Self guided tour with guidebook 1000-1600

Friday 13 September:

Self guided tour with guidebook 1000-1600

Sunday 15 September:

Guided or Self guided tour with guidebook 1100-1600

Location & directions

ST Georges, Trotton, Petersfield, West Sussex, GU31 5EN

Directions:

Just off the A272 between Petersfield and Midhurst. West of Trotton bridge. No facilities but Aylings tea rooms are just east of the Bridge.

Contact on day:

Amanda Townshend

Telephone number:

+447719690009

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Path to church from parking area. Two steps down into church. Ramp available in porch

Additional information

The Church is open for visitors to look around on the days stated. The Churchwardens can provide further guided commentary on the wallpaintings and the church on the specified days. Please book this with the contact below.

Max no of people per tour:

10

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 20 minute(s)

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