Coombes Church, Undedicated Chapel, Sussex

Vivid paintings include a depiction of Jesus on his own pilgrim journey

Highlights

• Well-preserved wall paintings
• Rural church setting

West Sussex is rich in medieval Christian art. This tiny unnamed chapel is the unlikely location of some of its finest works. The colour and details are relatively well-preserved here, and the artwork makes creative use of space and subject matter.

These images demonstrate classical iconographic scenes and artistry, comparable to the wall paintings at Clayton eight miles away. Highlights include the young Christ being carried to Egypt on a donkey, led by his father St. Joseph.

An eye-catching figure is painted inside the curve of the chancel arch, appearing to scream in agony as he supports the weight of this ancient building. The church guide speculates that this image is based on a story by the 5th-century Roman poet Prudentius, about the building of the Temple of the Soul. It looks to me like an equally good metaphor for the joys of being a parish priest.

Dating from the 12th century, the wall paintings defy their limited colour palette. Some scenes, such as the Christ in Majesty over the chancel arch, are now very faded. But the others give glimpses of our ancestors’ technicolour faith.

Coombes’ church has been extensively restored in recent years. The building and setting are an absolute delight – a little Norman chapel half-buried in the hillside of a tranquil river valley.

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Directions

Coombes Church, Coombes Road, Coombes, near Lancing BN15 0RS

W3W: retina.hired.pianists

GPS: 50.8611N 0:3091W

Coombes is little more than a farming hamlet. Turn off the main Coombes Road at Church Farm and park where the road ends, 100m below the church. It is a short but fairly steep walk uphill. The church is usually open 9:30 am – 4 pm.

The farm also welcomes visitors, see details at www.coombes.co.uk

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