Welcome to the Friends of Hamsey Church
The church is opened by volunteers and we aim to try and open on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 3pm. Please use the church car park.
Please note the church is not open on weekdays.
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Introduction
Our beautiful and historic Grade I listed St Peter’s Church, Hamsey, is suffering from the effects of 1,000 years of worship, wear and tear. The Friends of Hamsey Church has been set up to help with its upkeep into the future. This will include raising grants for renovation, organising fundraising events, financial subscriptions and working parties to help with spring cleaning inside the church and some maintenance of the graveyard.
If you are interested in joining us or have any fundraising ideas please get in touch via the ‘Contact us’ page at the end of this website.
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The Parish of Hamsey is unusual in having two churches both dedicated to St Peter, the ‘new’ church on the main road dating from 1860 and the ‘old’ church at Hamsey which is over 1000 years old. Both are part of the Church of England, the Diocese of Chichester.
Why two churches? Over time the population moved from Hamsey to Offham leaving the old church remote, with access difficult especially in the winter when there were just muddy tracks. The Rector described it as most “unsuitable and inconvenient” and eventually the present Victorian church was built at Offham.
Old Hamsey Church survived – just – as it has been under threat of abandonment and demolition twice and each time rescued by those who loved it. Its very location has saved it and its future now secured by the Friends of Hamsey who now care for the building. It is also the site of the Parish churchyard which is still in use.
Many of you have a particular association with this ancient and very lovely church and its setting. Perhaps you were married, baptised, or confirmed there, or have family resting in the churchyard. Do you visit as part of a pleasant walk and somewhere for a picnic? Many value the site for its biodiversity; home to our several bat species – and of course our now famous Lizard Orchid!
The newly rendered south facing walls