St Wilfrid's Chapel, Church Norton

This little 13th century chapel, grade I listed, stands close to Pagham Harbour and Nature Reserve at Church Norton. What you see now is actually the chancel of a large medieval church, which is why it looks out of proportion for a small chapel. The rest of it was moved in 1864 to Selsey and is now the parish church of St Peter. Can't help wondering why this bit was left here. Still consecrated, it holds at least 3 services annually:  on Lammas Day (August 1st), St Wilfrid’s Day (probably 12th October), and All Souls Day (1st November). It is looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust, along with 6 others in Sussex and over 300 country wide.

There is a Kipling poem about the church which, although I’m not a religious person, I find quite moving. Apologies for quoting it in full, it seemed wrong to cut it.

 

Eddi's Service  (A.D. 687)


EDDI, priest of St. Wilfrid
In his chapel at Manhood End*,
Ordered a midnight service
For such as cared to attend.

But the Saxons were keeping Christmas,
And the night was stormy as well.
Nobody came to service,
Though Eddi rang the bell.

'Wicked weather for walking,'
Said Eddi of Manhood End.
'But I must go on with the service
For such as care to attend.

The altar-lamps were lighted, –
An old marsh-donkey came,
Bold as a guest invited,
And stared at the guttering flame.

The storm beat on at the windows,
The water splashed on the floor,
And a wet, yoke-weary bullock
Pushed in through the open door.

'How do I know what is greatest,
How do I know what is least?
That is My Father's business,'
Said Eddi, Wilfrid's priest.

'But – three are gathered together –
Listen to me and attend.
I bring good news, my brethren!'
Said Eddi of Manhood End.

And he told the Ox of a Manger
And a Stall in Bethlehem,
And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider,
That rode to Jerusalem.

They steamed and dripped in the chancel,
They listened and never stirred,
While, just as though they were Bishops,
Eddi preached them The Word,

Till the gale blew off on the marshes
And the windows showed the day,
And the Ox and the Ass together
Wheeled and clattered away.

And when the Saxons mocked him,
Said Eddi of Manhood End,
'I dare not shut His chapel
On such as care to attend.'
 





*Manhood End refers to a piece of land which was the site of many stories about Wilfrid, Benedictine monk and bishop who founded a monastery in the area. The poem was set to music by, I think, Gary Bachlund.