Coombes Church is a grade I listed parish church in the hamlet of Coombes in Lancing, which has served the rural parish since the 11th century. The church is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
Coombes parish church is a simple building of two parts: the chancel at the east end and the nave to the west. The former west tower has been replaced by a small bell-turret; the roof is finished in local Horsham Stone slates.
Bramber were delighted to be chosen to work on this local piece of history. Working closely with the conservationist appointed, our heritage repair works included the bell tower, the stone roof as well as internal plaster and beam repairs.
A particular challenge for us was the hand delivery of all materials to the site, which could only be accessed from the adjacent farm and through the church’s churchyard. The churchyard is one of very few to have a Tapsel gate — a centrally pivoted gate unique to Sussex.
During our repairs, we had to carefully protect the church’s bell, which is dated at 1100 or even earlier and is considered possibly the oldest church bell in Sussex.
