Discover Sussex’s Idyllic Villages & Tranquil Churches in South Downs

Welcome to a delightful journey through the verdant foothills of the South Downs in Sussex, where the timeless allure of English churches and the quaint villages are not just seen but felt. As you meander through this enchanting region, each cobblestone and church spire tells a story steeped in history, and every village green invites you to partake in the tranquility of English countryside life. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply in need of a peaceful retreat, our exploration of Sussex’s countryside will offer you a tapestry of experiences that warm the heart and soothe the soul. So lace up your walking boots, and let’s embark on a journey that promises the simple joys of rural Britain at its most captivating.

This picturesque photo captures the quintessential charm of Ditchling village, a hidden gem nestled in the South Downs of East Sussex. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner, with the architecture embodying centuries of stories. The striking half-timbered building, with its distinct black and white façade, harks back to a time of traditional craftsmanship and English rural life.

The red-brick structure with its sturdy stairway, facing the timber-framed building, offers a lovely contrast in building materials and styles, indicative of the village’s architectural diversity. This stairway, leading up to a beautifully kept door, ignites curiosity about the lives once lived here and the hands that have graced the railing through the years.

In the background, the blue skies bathe the village in a serene light, enhancing the peacefulness that seems to embrace this scene. The classic lamp post standing proudly on the street corner adds a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of an era when life moved at a slower pace.

Ditchling village not only boasts a rich history but also a vibrant community spirit, with local shops, quaint pubs, and galleries celebrating local artists and artisans. It’s a place that feels like a step back in time yet remains very much alive and welcoming. This photo encapsulates the unique blend of tradition and continuity that makes Ditchling a treasured spot in the heart of Sussex.

St Cosmas and St Damian Church, 

Keymer

St Cosmas and St Damian Church is an Anglican church

in the village of Keymer, 

in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex, England.

Rebuilt in 1866 in a style similar to the Saxon building it replaced,

it is the parish church of Keymer 

and now lies within a combined parish 

serving three villages in Mid Sussex.

The church bears a very rare dedication

to the twin Saints Cosmas and Damian,

Christian martyrs of the 4th century.

It is a grade II listed building.

History

The medieval manor of Keymer

was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086

as being held by William de Watevile for William de Warenne,^[1] 

who built the nearby Lewes Castle.

A church existed on the present site at that time;

it was associated with Lewes Priory,

which had been given it by a successor of de Watevile in 1093.^[1]

The present building incorporates

some 12th-century structural elements:

the chancel walls^[1] and apse^[2] date from that time.

Until the rebuilding in 1866, 

there had been little change to the structure since the 14th century.^[3] 

The reconstruction was undertaken by Brighton-based architect Edmund Scott,^[2][3] 

who was responsible for several churches in his home town;

he matched the church’s largely 14th-century style

rather than redesigning the building significantly.^[3]

Six bells were added at various times:

one in 1791, another in 1866 and a peal of four in 1911.^[1]

The church has a large graveyard 

with several war graves and a war memorial.^[4]

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

identifies five soldiers—

three from the First World War

and two from the Second World War—

who are buried there.^[5]

There is no longer enough space for burials

to take place in the original churchyard,

so a new burial ground has been established

in a field opposite the church.

Mid Sussex District Council acquired the land

on behalf of the Parish of Keymer and Clayton,

and transferred ownership to Hassocks Parish Council.

The latter now manages the area,

which is called the Hassocks Burial Ground

and Garden of Remembrance.^[6][7]

The patron of the church,

and holder of the advowson,

is Brasenose College, Oxford.^[1][3]

Dedication

The dedication of the church, 

to the twin Saints Cosmas and Damian, 

is extremely rare in the Church of England.

Only three other extant churches in England bear their names:^[2] 

at Challock in Kent;^[8] 

Blean, two miles to the north of Canterbury, Kent;

and Sherrington in Wiltshire.^[9] 

A redundant church with the same name exists near Leominster in Herefordshire.^[10] 

The saints are believed to have been twin brothers

who worked as doctors in the Roman province of Syria.

They were well-educated in science and medicine,

and treated people without expecting any payment.

They were known to have been put to death in 303

during the Diocletianic Persecution.^[11]

Architecture

The church walls are built of flint

in an irregular style reminiscent of crazy paving.

There is a small tower and steeple topped with a small,

two-stage spire at the southwest corner.^[2]

The plan consists of a chancel with Norman-era

apse, nave, aisles, and a porch at the south end.^[1]

The south aisle was built in the 1866 reconstruction,

but its counterpart on the north side was added in 1890.^[2] 

The ancient stone dressings in the east window

were preserved during the rebuilding.The remains of what may be an original piscina,

which lacks its basin, is in the apse.^[1]

SOURCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Cosmas_and_St_Damian_Church,_Keymer

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ADASTRA PARK MEMORIAL GARDENS

( REMEMBRANCE GARDENS )

HASSOCKS