On a trip to collect some photographs from the Chemist, I took the opportunity to finally visit Crawley Parish Church, the first I think I've visited with twenty four hour closed circuit TV surveillance!
Here is the 15th century font, situated by the west door, and the organ on the north side of the nave. The font is carved from Sussex marble and is square with bevelled corners. It is supported by columns on two circular bases. The organ, installed in 1885, is a Father Willis instrument and was relocated from the chancel to the north aisle in 1990-91. The brass lectern, with its tradition eagle, symbol of St John, stands near the organ and was installed in 1880.
This lovely window is the nicest in the building and is the most recent, set in the centre of the south wall. The inscription running across both lights reads: "Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning" and "A good name endureth forever". They are reminiscent in both colouring and style of the windows of the well known pre-Raphaelite, Burne-Jones.
The windows in the north aisle are also attractive, but were obscured by displays and floral arrangements which prevented photography.
Here is a view of the the north side of the church.
And finally of the west end and tower. In 1724 the tower contained four bells, but three became cracked and in 1742 two were replaced by Thomas Lester of London. They remained until 1880 when eight bells were hung by the makers Gillet, Bland & Co. of Croydon. These bells of 1880 remain with the exception of the third which was recast in 1931. The bells are in the key of F major; each has an inscription and five record the name of a benefector.
Digital photographs
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