Off A259 West Dean Alfriston
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Situated in the Friston Forest, the village of West Dean is steeped in history. There is evidence that King Alfred stayed here in 'Dene' when ships were able to sail right up the valley. The Old Parsonage next to the church is the oldest priest's house in England still in occupation.

Dedicated to All Saints, West Dean church is also the most ancient in the Cuckmere Valley, Showing traces of Saxon origin. The unusually squat gabled spire has been likened to a monk's cowl, with the small windows in the tower giving the appearance of a face.

Inside, apart from the beautiful Norman arch to the tower, the prevalence of Early English work indicated that the church may have been extensively re-ordered when Sir John Heringod was Lord of the Manor in the early part of the 14th century. There is also an ornate stone tomb to William Thomas and his wife who bought the Manor of West Dean in 1611.

As with all the churches in the valley, there is a special atmosphere of stillness and ancient prayers to refresh the most weary visitor. Sunday Services are normally held twice a month at 9.30 a.m. - details can be found on the Notice Board. West Dean Church is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm or dusk.

Wilmington St Lullington Alfriston
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The tiny village of Lullington is now part of Alfriston parish, but retains its own church situated on the hill by the South Downs Way with magnificent views right across the Cuckmere Valley.

Like St. Andrew's, Lullington Church often features in guide books of places to visit in Sussex.

Originally part of a much larger building, which was destroyed by fire (probably in the time of Cromwell), the present church was rebuilt from the original chancel. It seats twenty people (just) and at Harvest Festival half the congregation are seated in the churchyard.

As there is no electricity for light or heating, most services are held in the Summer months  - on the third Sunday at 3.00pm, from April to September. We also have a sunrise Easter Communion and An Advent Service of Light.
Lullington Church is open to visitors daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm or dusk.

The Street Litlington Polegate
01323 871093

The picturesque village of Litlington lies about a mile from Alfriston, with its tiny Norman Church and the old Rectory. Like so many local place names Litlington is of Saxon origin: 'little-tun' or homestead.

The parish church is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. Originally built about 1150 A.D. it was 'restored' in 1863 when the carved oak screen and other interesting features were removed. Outside there is still a 13th century sundial on the porch, and two more on the buttresses. The spire at the West end is covered by wooden shingles and the small tower by weather-boarding.

Inside, there are all kinds of features to interest the historian: A piscina from about 1220, the 15th century Easter sepulchre and double sedilia, Norman and Early English windows. There are three bells, the most ancient cast around 1450 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.

The times of Sunday Services can be found on the notice board. Litlington Church is open to visitors daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm or dusk.

The Street, Litlington, BN26 5RE
(01323) 870632
ploughandharrowlitlington.co.uk

A traditional English village local, dating back to the 17th Century. The original part of the building, now a cosy snug, has been extended over the years to include a bar area and family room/restaurant. Four of the six available hand pu...