St Peter's Chailey
.
  • Home
  • Who We Are...
    • Vicar's Welcome
    • The Church Team
    • What We Believe
    • Getting Involved
    • The PCC
    • Safeguarding Policy
    • Health and Safety Policy
    • Where We Are
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do...
    • Regular Services
    • Forthcoming Services
    • Upcoming Events
  • Church Groups...
    • Bible Study
    • Music and Choir
    • Pastoral Care Team
    • Bellringers
    • Ladies Prayer Group
    • St Peter's Possoms (Toddler group)
    • LUNCH CLUB
    • The Friends of St. Peter's
  • More Info About...
    • Our History >
      • Beginnings
      • Plan of St. Peter's Church
      • The South Aisle
      • The North Aisle
      • The Chancel
      • The Organ
      • The Tower and Bells
      • Rectors of St. Peter's
    • Weddings
    • Funerals
    • Baptisms
    • Courses
  • News and Notices...
    • Weekly Newsletters
    • Chailey News >
      • 2022
      • 2021
      • 2020
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
    • Publications
    • Links
    • @StPeter's - Our Blog
  • Photo Gallery
    • Interior
    • Interior 2021
    • Exterior
    • Services / Events >
      • Jazz + Tea on the Green 2015
    • Old Postcards
    • Video
    • Audio
  • Health and Safety Policy

Beginnings...

PictureA drawing of the church, circa 1780
There have been various derivations of the name Chailey including “Cheagele” (shown in the Doomsday book of 1086), “Chaggeley” and “Chaleghe”.  It originates from the Anglo Saxon period when:
  • “Geac leah” meant “cuckoo clearing”
  • “Chag” meant broom or gorse and “Ley” referred to open ground or meadows, which are both still features of the area today
Following the death of Richard de Plaiz in 1269, the assets that were left to his wife (Joan) included “…the advowson [patronage] of the Church of Chaggeleys pertaining to the aforesaid Richard is worth twelve marks.” The church is therefore likely to date from before this time, and has undergone a number of renovations and adaptations in order to meet changing circumstances. On entering the church you will immediately notice how wide it is, which is due to the addition of two extensions:
  • In 1846 the northern wall of the original church was demolished and replaced with pillars in order that an additional aisle and seating could be installed.  At this time, some of the original features within the chancel were replaced and other restoration work was undertaken
  • In 1878 the new northern wall was removed and a third aisle added to provide further seating
The pillars that were added in 1846 run east to west from the pulpit, whilst those that were added in 1878 are the furthest from the entrance door.

CONTINUE to South Aisle

Picture
A drawing of the church, circa 1845
Picture
View from the chancel to the West End, circa late 1800s
St. Peter's Church, Chailey
Chailey Green
Lewes
East Sussex BN8 4DA
stpeterschurch12@hotmail.co.uk
01825 722286

This site was designed by Timothy Guntrip and is maintained by Teresa Wenban

St. Peter's Safeguarding Policy

HTML