The parochial tithes and the first church were granted about 1092 by the son of William de Warenne- also a William- to the newly founded Lewes Priory from which came the earliest ministers. However, only the foundations of the Norman church remain. The earliest parts, the South aisle and the lower tower, are 13th century.
The 14th century tower was heightened and finished with a trefoil-headed frieze, battlements and a slender shingled spire. This spire was re-shingled in 1869 and 1973. Then in 1980 the spire caught fire and was destroyed and had to be replaced by the present structure which has a steel frame instead of a timber one.
In the 15th century, the church was re-roofed in a single span, hiding the 14th century clerestory windows, which were revealed recently.
The Horsham stone roof on the south side was restored in 1923 as it was in a dangerous state. The slate roof on the north side was replaced with Horsham stone the following year. In all, the stone on the roof weighs 80 tons
This church has had its windows protected with a fibre glass sheeting, which has made the building look 'blind', a very strange effect. I wonder if it has affected the light inside?
The Mission Chapel of St John at Ansty was ministered by the clergy of Holy Trinity until St John's closed in 2000.
Digital photographs
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