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I Location

II General Description

This church comprises a W tower, a 12thc. aisled nave and a 19thc. chancel. The demolition of the medieval choir, transepts and central tower, dilapidated since the Dissolution, was begun in 1577 and completed in the 17thc. A new chancel and W tower, which occupies the site of the W bay(s) of the nave, were then constructed. What was lost at the E end must have been largely of early 12thc. date, judging from the surviving W piers and arch of the crossing and the E arches of the S and N aisles which formerly opened into the transepts. The nave was erected later in the 12thc. The present chancel is of the 19thc.

III Exterior Features

1. Doorways

(i) S Doorway, nave

Located in the fourth bay, inside a 15thc. porch. The round-headed opening is framed by two continuous orders, one minor and one major. The minor inner order has a hollow chamfer and does not course with the major outer order which comprises plain, raised triangles wrapped around a roll in a manner analogous to beakhead decoration. An additional outer order may have been lost.

Dimensions

(ii) N Doorway, nave

Eight voussoirs reset around the head of a later doorway in the second bay are carved with a single row of chevron on the face, each unit enclosing a raised triangle.

2. Windows

(i) Nave clerestorey

Externally, while the two orders of the three N clerestorey windows have plain, continuous arches, those of the four S clerestorey windows have arches with hollows (face) and edge rolls, carried by carved capitals on engaged (first to third bays) or en delit nook shafts(fourth bay). The label/string course on the N is plain, while in the first three bays on the S it is carved with double billet; in the fourth bay it is plain.

Internally, the first three S clerestory bays comprise a narrow, continuous, inner order with an indented arris, and a deep outer order involving a nook roll carried by an engaged nook shaft which descends below the window apertures to a carved string course. The label/stringcourse is carved with dogtooth. The capitals do not form a frieze (cf: N clerestory) and are crowned by undecorated impost blocks with a hollow chamfer and plain face. On some there is an indentation or step between the chamfer and the face. Mid-way between each window a pair of vertical shafts marks the bay divisions of the internal elevation.

The fourth S clerestorey bay is treated differently in several respects. The inner order is plain and continuous. The outer order is similar, but the label and flanking lengths of string course are plain.

Internally, the N clerestory windows have two orders comprising plain nook rolls carried on engaged nook shafts, which descend below the window apertures to a carved stringcourse. The shafts of the outer order are keeled. The labels are carved with saltire crosses, and do not continue laterally as stringcourses (cf: S clerestory). The capitals, however, form a frieze which is continued inside the splays of the windows, and laterally between each bay. Mid-way between each window a pair of vertical, keeled shafts with scalloped capitals marks the bay divisions of the internal elevation.

Nave, S clerestorey, bay 1

Exterior, inner order, E capital: flat, pointed leaves are connected by a drop shape and a drilled hole, a feature common on waterleaf capitals. There is a hemispherical boss in place of a die on each face.

Exterior, inner order, W capital: on the lower basket are three upright palmettes, hollowed and with rounded tips, one on each face and the third on the angle. Above this are large, flat, tightly scrolled volutes.

Exterior, outer order, E capital: this capital (cf: nave arcade capital S2) is shallowly carved with angular flutes, three on the W face, four on the S.

Exterior, outer order, W capital: this is a shallowly carved triple scallop capital.

Interior, outer order, E capital: smooth, pointed leaves, centred on the angles of the capital, with a collarette of rounded leaves.

Interior, outer order, W capital: smooth, with tightly curled volutes.

Nave, S clerestorey, bay 2

Exterior, inner order, W capital: shallowly carved and now weathered, this rather bulbous capital seems to have been decorated with two scallops on each face, one broad scallop separated from a narrower angle scallop by a convex triangle.

Exterior, inner order, E capital: this capital is also extremely weathered but seems to have been scalloped.

Exterior, outer order, W capital: smooth leaves connected by a drop shape and drilled hole (cf. waterleaf), that on the main angle terminating in a spherical `volute'.

Exterior, outer order, E capital: this is an extremely worn capital, with a projecting ridge on the lower basket (cf a collarette) and a large volute on the angle.

Interior, inner order, W capital: scallop capital, with inverted, fluted palmettes in the shields and cones rising between the main cones.

Interior, outer order, E capital: three tiers of pointed, hollow leaves.

Nave, S clerestorey, bay 3

Exterior, inner order, W capital: a shallowly carved, triple scallop capital with a slightly bulbous basket.

Exterior, inner order, E capital: the S face of this capital has decayed, but two scallops survive on the W face. It was probably a triple scallop capital originally.

Exterior, outer order, W capital: originally this worn capital had a full scallop on each face and one on the angle, separated by convex triangles.

Exterior, outer order, E capital: this extremely damaged capital seems to have been carved with three broad flutes on each face.

Interior, outer order, E capital: reeded stems issuing half-furled, fluted leaves.

Interior, outer order, W capital: fluted palmettes centred on the angles of the capital, and tightly curled volutes.

Nave, S clerestorey, bay 4

Exterior, inner order, W capital: a waterleaf capital, with a double contour, tiny angle volutes and exposed bell.

Exterior, inner order, E capital: a waterleaf capital with tiny angle volutes, an exposed bell and an indented abacus.

Exterior, outer order, W capital: a multi-scallop capital, with narrow cones and zig-zag along the shields.

Exterior, outer order, E capital: a waterleaf capital with spade-shaped leaves rising between the major leaves, tiny volutes, an exposed bell and indented abacus.

Interior, outer order, E capital: fluted surface. Interior, outer order, W capital fluted surface.

Nave, N clerestorey, bay 1

Exterior: plain (see above).

Interior, inner order, E capital: inverted fluted palmettes, separated by pendant triangular leaves.

Interior, inner order, W capital: a row of fluted leaves rise to meet a row of inverted fluted leaves in the centre of the capital. Both rows are deeply undercut.

Interior, outer order, E capital: inverted palmettes, with a large angle volute over that on the angle.

Interior, outer order, W capital: a row of large, inverted palmettes, with a rosette overlaying that on the angle.

Nave, N clerestorey, bay 2

Exterior: plain (see above).

Interior, inner order, E capital: scalloped, with sunken shields and cones rising between the main cones.

Interior, inner order, W capital: double scallop, with cones rising between the main cones, and beading around the shields.

Interior, outer order, E capital: a row of large, inverted palmettes, with a small palmette overlaying that on the angle.

Interior, outer order, W capital: a row of large, inverted palmettes, with a smaller palmette overlaying that on the angle.

Nave, N clerestorey, bay 3

Exterior: plain (see above).

Interior, inner order, E capital: blocky leaf forms. That on the angle is taller and more pointed than the others. The leaf on the S face has a beaded spine.

Interior, inner order, W capital: scalloped, with sunken shields and cones rising between the main cones.

Interior, outer order, E capital: double scallop with cones rising between the main cones.

Interior, outer order, W capital: plain, with keeled edge.

3. Exterior Decoration

a. String courses

(i) S clerestorey

See above.

c. Corbel tables, corbels

Many nave corbels seem to have been replaced, particularly towards the W end on the S wall, possibly when the nave roofs were restored in 1863.

(i) Nave, S side, E to W

S1: Human head, bald with bulging eyes.

S2: Animal head, bulging eyes with drilled pupils, pointed ears, long nose and grooved jowls.

S3: Roll.

S4: Destroyed.

S5: Human head, bald with drilled pupils

S6: Human head, bald, pupil of R eye deeply drilled

S7: Triple billet in hollow

S8: Human head, bald with drilled pupils

S9: Roll in hollow

S10: Head? Worn

S11: Roll in hollow

S12: Destroyed

S13: Destroyed

S14: Damaged

S15: Upright roll

S16: Head? Worn

S17: Human head, bald with drilled pupils

S18: Human head, bald with drilled pupils

S19: Head? Worn

S20: Barrel-shaped form divided by central band

S21: Plain; divided into two sections

S22: Head? Worn

S23: Animal head with drilled pupils, carved onbarrel-shaped form.

S24: Human head with short hair and drilled pupils (19thc?)

S25: Hollow

S26: Human head, bald, with open lop-sided mouth and deeply drilled pupils (19thc?)

S27: Hollow

S28: Human head with short hair (19thc?)

S29: Foliage spray (19thc?)

S30: Human head with short hair (19thc?)

S31: Hollow

S32: Worn

S33: Damaged

S34: Human head; R hand in open mouth (19thc?)

S35: Roll

(ii) Nave, N side, E to W

N1: Worn

N2: Human head with open mouth; larger than the other corbels

N3: Human head, bald, worn

N4: Human head, bald, worn

N5: Animal head, with pointed ears

N6: Worn

N7: Worn

N8: Worn

N9: Roll clasped by triangle?

N10: Destroyed

N11: Human head, bald, with drilled pupils

N12: Worn

N13: Animal head with snout

N14: Roll

N15: Human head, bald

N16: Roll

N17: Human head, bald

N18: Human head, bald

N19: Hollow

N20: Roll

N21: Head? Worn

N22: Roll in hollow

N23: Head? Worn

N24: Roll

N25: Head, with heavy patina

N26: Head? Worn

N27: Head

N28: Hollow

N29: Hollow

N30: Hollow

N31: Hollow

N32: Hollow

N33: Animal head, with pointed ears

N34: Hollow

N35: Hollow

(iii) Reset corbel, S porch

In the gable of the S porch, above a date-stone reading `1766' is a reset corbel carved with a human head. Ridges define the slightly drooping eyes, the eyebrows and thin moustaches. Stylistically, this is different from the corbels under the eaves of the nave and it may have come from the demolished E end.

d. Miscellaneous

(i) Buttress, bays 1 and 2, S aisle

A buttress between the first and second bays of the flint-faced aisle is flanked by engaged nook shafts with low, carved capitals, both variations on the cushion capital. The capitals do not sit neatly above the shafts and may have been reset. The R capital has a single shield and cone on each face and a smaller shield and cone on the angle. The L capital also has a single shield and cone on each face, but has prominent rolls on the angles.

(ii) Voussoirs, W tower, W wall

Five voussoirs are incorporated into a relieving arch around the ground-floor window. Of centrifugal type, they are carved with three rows of lateral face chevron: flat band/shallow hollow/flattened roll. There is a chip-carved triangle in the angle of the flat band on two examples (ie: they were of cogwheel edged type).

IV Interior Features

1. Arches

a. Chancel arch/Apse arches

(i) Chancel arch (formerly W crossing arch)

Round-headed with two orders on each face.

First order

The capitals are supported by engaged semi-circular responds to N and S. The S capital is a triple scallop, with two shields on its lateral sides and tapering triangles between the cones. The N capital has flat, pointed leaves on the angles, separated by symmetrially arranged convex forms; the central swelling is bordered by sawtooth. The impost blocks to N and S have a plain chamfer and face. The W face of the arch is carved with two rows of face chevron, roll/hollow, and an edge roll; the E face is plain. Both E and W, there is a plain nook roll between the inner and outer orders.

Second order, E.

The capitals are supported by engaged semi-circular responds to N and S. The SE capital is a cushion with a tuck and a tapering triangle on the angle. The NE capital has a single shield on the S face and two on the E. There is a ridge on the angle. The impost blocks to N and S have a plain chamfer and face. The arch is uncarved.

Second order, W.

The capitals are supported by engaged semi-circular responds to N and S. The SW capital has two irregular shields on each face and appears to have been repaired. On the angle two flutes rise into a volute-like form with shields rather than scrolls. The NW capital is a double scallop with tapering, convex triangles between the cones, and an edge roll. The impost blocks to N and S have a plain chamfer and upright. The arch is plain, with a plain label.

b. Tower/Transept arches

(i) Transept arches

Arch at E end S aisle

Round-headed with two orders on each face.

First order.

There are semi-circular respond shafts to N and S. A relief had been carved into the third course from the top on the S shaft. Two human figures wearing knee-length tunics clamber among stylised foliage depicted by crotchets. That on the W is better preserved. He has an angular profile, and a prominent stomach or a `Belt of Strength'. There is a modern insertion on the lower W. Above this relief, the S respond capital is carved with two pairs of affronted lions depicted in profile, one on each side and two on the main face, sharing single heads on the angles. The NE angle is damaged. The lions' tails transform into reeded stems which curl around their hind-quarters and scroll above their backs, issuing crotchets. The tails of those on the main face are bound by a ring. The manes are composed of similar, tiered crotchet-like forms. The N respond capital is a multi-scallop capital, with four shields on the main face and two to E and W. The cones are not separated. The SE angle is damaged. The impost blocks have a chamfer and grooved face. The arch has a soffit roll flanked by edge rolls.

Second order, E.

Both carved faces of the S capital are carved with reeded, voluted stems. A pair flanking the NE angle rise for the full height of the capital and curl towards one another creating a flattened volute-like form. Smaller volutes or crotchets issue from their stems. On the main face another pair of voluted stems rise the full height of the basket, cross one another, are intercrossed by shorter voluted stems, and sprout minor crotchets where the die of a Corinthian capital would have been located this is essentially a debased, flattened version of a tiered Corinthian capital: on the N is a simple block capital. The impost blocks have a chamfer and grooved face, and the arch is plain.

Second order, W.

Again the capitals are carried by engaged semi-circular respond shafts. The decoration of the S capital is composed of reeded, voluted stems. On the main face five pairs, some affronted and others addorsed, issue from a semi-circle at the bottom of the basket in a schematised version of `Winchester acanthus'. Three interwoven pairs of addorsed crotchets are carved on the W face. On the N side is a scalloped capital, with two shields on the S face and three on the W; the cones are separated by tapering triangles. There are faint traces of cable moulding on the necking, and the impost blocks have a chamfer and grooved face. The arch is carved with a roll.

Arch at E end N aisle

Round-headed with two orders on both sides. While the arch is carried by three engaged semi-columnar responds on the S, on the N the outer order dies into the wall and only the inner order, supported by a single semi-columnar respond, remains visible.

Inner order

The S capital has flat, leaf-like forms terminating in large angle volutes. The N capital has flat, pointed leaves on the angles separated by symmetrically arranged flat and convex forms. There is cable moulding on the necking. The impost blocks to N and S have a shallow hollow chamfer and a grooved upright. The W face and western half of the soffit of the arch are plain, but the E face and eastern half of the soffit are carved with point-to-point chevron composed of two rows of lateral chevron on face and soffit, with two fat rolls separated by two thin rolls. There is an ornamental edge, with units of nailhead between the points on the edge.

Outer order, E side

The S capital is carved with flat leaves with raised contours and central ribs: large leaves with curved sides issue from shorter pointed leaves on the angles and are separated by additional pointed leaves. The impost block has a hollow chamfer and grooved face, and carried the plain arch of this order and the set-forward label, carved with a series of grooved triangles and an angle roll.

Outer order, W side

On the S is a scallop capital, with two shields on one face, with tapering triangles between the cones, and one shield on the other. On the angle, two flutes are surmounted by a volute-like form with flat shields instead of scrolls. The impost block, as above. The arch is plain.

2. Arcades

c. Nave

Facing both nave and aisles but more elaborately decorated towards the central vessel, the four-bay nave arcades have two major orders of archivolts, separated by one minor order, carried by cylindrical piers with circular capitals and imposts. The E ends of the arcades are received by groups of three semi-columnar responds attached to the crossing piers. The W responds, now embedded in the tower walls, were originally free-standing piers.

(i) S arcade

Bay 1

Inner order, N and S: The inner archivolt is supported by an engaged semi-circular respond to the E. The capital is carved with three scallops on the W face, and two on each side. Its impost block has a chamfer and grooved face. On the W, the arch is carried by a plain, coursed cylindrical pier. Its capital is carved with a variety of palmette motifs, which are described clockwise. Facing SE are four fluted upright leaves, separated by three smaller, triangular fluted leaves, all of which have nailhead spines. Facing SW is a row of six fluted upright leaves with drilled tips, emerging from a fluted collarette, and enframed by semi-furled, fluted leaves with smooth, triangular stems. Facing NW are four fluted upright leaves with nailhead spines, contained by smooth, pointed leaves and separated by three flat stems issuing volutes. Following this are two superimposed, inverted palmettes, the inner with six flutes and the outer with ten. Next is a fluted heart-shaped leaf, containing a small, inverted palmette, and irregularly flanked by fluted foliage. To its E is a second fluted heart-shaped leaf containing a small, inverted palmette, but this time without the flanking foliage. Both of these motifs emerge from a collarette of wavy triangles. Finally, facing NE, is a row of four smooth, spade-shaped leaves enframed by semi-furled, fluted leaves with smooth, triangular stems. The necking of this capital is plain; the impost has a hollow chamfer and a beaded cable roll on the face. The arch is carved with three rows of frontal chevron on the soffit (three fat rolls separated by three thin rolls), the points alternating with those of a single row of lateral chevron on the N and S faces, the resulting spaces filled with half-pyramidal forms.

Minor order, N: Plain with chamfer.

Minor order, S: Plain with chamfer.

Outer order, N: The outer archivolt is supported by an engaged semi-circular respond to the E. The capital, which has a large insertion on the angle, is a double-scallop to N and W. The impost block has a chamfer and grooved upright. The archivolt is carved with point-to-point chevron, the points touching over a plain edge roll. The triangular compartments of the lateral chevron on face and soffit are fluted.

Outer order, S: The outer archivolt is supported by an engaged semi-circular respond to the E. The southern section of the capital and the impost block are replacements. The original northern section of the capital is smooth, slightly convex, with a large, tightly scrolled angle volute. The arch is plain.

The label, N, is punctuated with rosettes, and terminates on an animal head-stop on the E, and a rosette on the W. The label, S, is carved with one row of chevron on the face, with tripartite leaf forms between the points. There is an animal head-stop on the E and a clean-shaven human head-stop on the W.

Bay 2

Inner Order, N and S: Coursed, cylindrical piers to E and W; E capital, as above. The W capital is a variant of the multi-scalloped capital, with V-profile cones and sunken, triangular shields. The necking is plain; the impost block has a hollow chamfer and a beaded cable roll on the face. The arch has a fat soffit roll with a central hollow, flanked by the points of a single row of lateral chevron on the N and S faces of the arch.

Minor order, N: Keel moulding on edge, flanked by hollows.

Minor order, S: Plain with chamfer.

Outer order, N: Single rows of lateral chevron on face and soffit, meeting point-to-point over a slightly keeled arris. The triangular compartments inside the chevron are chip-carved.

Outer order, S: Plain.

The label, N, is carved as above, S nave arcade, bay 1, and has rosette-stops to E and W. The label, S, is carved as above, S nave arcade, bay 1. There is human head-stop on the E (see above), and an animal head-stop to the W.

Bay 3

Inner Order, N and S: Coursed, cylindrical piers to E and W; E capital, as above. The W capital is carved with a row of flat, rounded leaves separated by triangles between their bases and between their tips. There is a groove inside the edges of the leaves and base triangles. The abacus is carved with a shallow hollow, and the impost block has a hollow chamfer, and a beaded cable roll on the face. The archivolt is plain, N and S.

Minor order, N: As S nave arcade, bay 2, see above.

Minor order, S: Plain with chamfer.

Outer order, N: Carved with directional chevron, descending from the apex of the arch to the springers, with sunken compartments between each unit. Contrast N nave arcade, bay 4, outer order, S.

Outer order, S: Plain.

The label, N, as S nave arcade, bay 1, with rosette stops E and W. The label, S, as S nave arcade, bay 1, with an animal head-stop on the E (see above), and a simple roll-stop on the E.

Bay 4

Inner Order, N and S: Coursed, cylindrical piers to E and W; E capital, as above. The W capital has a smooth, uncarved surface and may be renewed. The necking is plain, and the impost has a hollow chamfer and a beaded cable roll on the face. The soffit of the archivolt is carved with a series of transverse rolls, or coussinets. Corresponding to each roll, on the N and S faces of the arch, is a single row of lateral chevron.

Minor order, N: As S nave arcade, bay 2, see above.

Minor order, S: Plain with chamfer.

Outer order, N: A roll with a central hollow on the edge of the archivolt is flanked, on the face and soffit, by hollows.

Outer order, S: Plain.

The label, N, as S nave arcade, bay 1, with a rosette stop on the E only. The W section of the label, S, is carved as above, S nave arcade, bay 1. There is a roll-stop on the E (see above), but no stop to the W.

(ii) N arcade

Bay 1

Inner order, S and N: The inner archivolt is supported by an engaged semi-circular respond to the E. The capital is carved with blocky leaf forms, some concave, others convex, pointed and slightly curled on the angles. There are signs of severe scraping or recutting. The impost block has a shallow hollow chamfer and grooved face. On the W, the arch is carried by a plain, coursed cylindrical pier. Its capital is of the multi-scalloped variety, with sunken shields, and with cylindrical forms between the cones. Above the shields is a continuous band (abacus) of zig-zag. The necking is plain, and the undecorated impost block has a low, deep hollow chamfer and a grooved face. The archivolt is carved with three equal-sized rolls on the soffit, the outer rolls slightly keeled, and a single row of lateral chevron on the N and S faces.

Minor order, S: There is a keeled roll on the edge and a hollow on the face.

Minor order, N: Plain chamfer.

Outer order, S: The outer archivolt is supported by an engaged semi-circular respond to the E. The capital is carved with large, blocky leaves, and appears to be a replacement. The impost block has a hollow chamfer and grooved face. The archivolt is carved with back-to-back chevron, comprising two rows of frontal chevron on both face and soffit, with a row of projecting hyphenated chevron on the edge, and elongated pyramidal forms flanking the edge roll.

Outer order, N: The outer archivolt is supported by an engaged semi-circular respond to the E. The capital is carved with blocky leaf forms, with a reeded triangular element between them. The archivolt is plain.

The label, S, is punctuated by rosettes and terminates to the E in an animal head-stop, and to the W in a bearded human head-stop. The label, N, is carved with dogtooth, or four-petalled flowers.

Bay 2

Inner Order, S and N: Coursed, cylindrical piers to E and W; E capital, as above. The W capital is carved with three tiers of hollow, pointed leaf forms. Plain band (abacus) above. The necking is plain and the impost block is carved with lattice-work on the chamfer, and zig-zag on the grooved face. The arch is carved as S arcade, bay 1, inner order (see above).

Minor order, S: Three equal-sized rolls.

Minor order, N: Plain with chamfer.

Outer order, S: The outer archivolt is carved with point-to-point lozenges, with plain diamond forms in the centre of each unit on the face and soffit, and plain spherical bosses between the points on the edge.

Outer order, N: Plain.

The label, S, is punctuated by rosettes, and terminates on a bearded human head-stop to E and W. The head-stop on the W has an open mouth. The label, N, is carved with dogtooth.

Bay 3

Inner order, S and N: Coursed, cylindrical piers to E and W; E capital, as above. On the W is a multi-scallop capital, with tapering triangles between the cones. The necking is plain. The impost block has a low, hollow chamfer, and a face with a fat roll. The archivolt is plain to N and S.

Minor order, S: Three rolls, of which the central is the thickest.

Minor order, N: Plain with chamfer.

Outer order, S: As outer order, N arcade, bay 1 (see above).

Outer order, N: Plain.

The label, S, is punctuated by rosettes and terminates with a human head-stop on the E (see above), and a ram's head on the W. The label, N, is carved with dogtooth.

Bay 4

Inner order, S and N: Coursed, semi-cylindrical respond on the W side, with a plain capital (replaced?). Plain necking, and impost block comprising hollow chamfer and grooved upright; E capital, as above. The inner archivolt is plain to N and S.

Minor order, S and N: Plain with chamfer.

Outer order, S: Carved with directional chevron, climbing to the apex of the arch, with sunken compartments between each unit. Several voussoirs are uncarved replacements. Compare S arcade, bay 3 (see above).

Outer order, N: Plain

The label, S, is punctuated with rosettes and terminates in a ram's head on the E. The label, N, is carved with dogtooth.

5. Interior Decoration

b. String courses

(i) N and S nave walls

String course of hyphenated cusps, rounded in profile, at base of clerestorey.

c. Miscellaneous

(i) Bosses

There are rosette bosses in the spandrels of the N nave arcade, above the first and third piers.

V Furnishings

1. Fonts

(i)

Located at the W end of the nave is a square Sussex marble bowl with circular interior. It was found in the churchyard without its base. The upright sides of the bowl are carved with thin, raised, zig-zagging lines, with the point of each zig-zag truncated, top and bottom. This is analogous to the carving of scallop capitals, only two-dimensional. The top of the bowl is also carved. The interior is circled by two channels separated by ridges; the triangular spandrels are similarily defined by channels and are compartmentalised into two hollow triangles flanking a `U' shape. The effect is reminiscent of repoussé work. The bottom of the bowl has provision for five supporting shafts, four slender angle shafts and a fat central shaft, but now it rests on the abaci of modern shafts.

Dimensions

VII History

Steyning church, said to have been founded by St Cuthman in the late 8thc. or early 9thc., was under royal patronage by the mid-9thc. when Ethelwulf (d.858) was buried there. Edward the Confessor gave the church and manor to the Abbey of Fécampc.1047, but it is uncertain if Fécamp took possession before Harold revoked his predecessor's gift. William pledged to uphold Fécamp's claim if his invasion proved successful, and indeed, in 1086, he confirmed its rights. Two churches are mentioned in the Domesday Survey. Steyning church would have held considerable political significance in the late 11thc. It may have been collegiate in 1086, as it certainly was by 1185, when a provost and three secular canons, each with a prebend, are recorded.

the 1263 dedication to St Andrew is recorded in Cal. Papal Reg. i. 387.

VIII Comments/Opinions

The earliest element of the church seems to be the E arch of the S aisle. One capital is carved with affronted lions, a subject which had been employed earlier at Caen and Durham, and was to become one of the most popular motifs of 12thc. sculpture. It is flanked by two foliage capital, one based on the Corinthian order, the other based on `Winchester Acanthus'. In neither case is the foliage fleshy, it is depicted by crotchets or curls, sometimes sprouting from one another. This feature derives from the Scandinavian Ringerike style, which can also be seen in nearby Sompting church. The Ringerike style recurs on the relief carved into the S respond shaft, showing men clambering amid foliage tendrils. The design of this panel finds extremely close parallels in manuscripts and ivories ofc.1100 (eg Arundel 60 f.13,c.1080; an ivory in the VandA,c.1100 illustrated by Swarzenski, pl.204).

Johnston dated this early work at Steyning toc.1100 (1914) and laterc.1120 (VCH, 367); Zarnecki (thesis) dated itc.1140. Zarnecki (PhD thesis) compared the Steyning capitals with examples in the Canterbury crypt, which he suggested as a source, although he also noted the parallels between Sompting and Steyning.

The only other part of the building which could feasibly date from c.1100 is the exterior of the N clerestorey, which has a rubble facing. The windows have plain, continuous arches.

The W crossing arch, the E arch of the N aisle and the E responds of the nave arcades belong to the same campaign, and cannot be earlier than the second quarter of the 12thc. The chevron and capitals of these bays find close parallels at Amberley church (compare Amberley chancel arch, inner and outer archivolts W side, with Steyning, E arch of N aisle, inner archivolt N side; Amberley chancel arch, inner order, S capital, with Steyning, N nave arcade, bay 1, outer order N side, E capital; Amberley chancel arch, outer order W side, N capital, with Steyning, E arch of N aisle, inner order, S capital). Reset chevron voussoirs in the W tower have flat bands instead of rolls, another feature paralleled at Amberley.

The form of the Steyning nave arcade was popular in Sussex, but nowhere else is it treated so elaborately. Fundamental design differences in the clerestorey windows point to a complex architectural development at that level in the building. There are also differences of detail between the main N and S arcades of the nave. Certain motifs (soffit rolls or coussinets, fluted palmettes, beaded cable roll, triangular fluting, etc) of the S arcade recur in the S doorway and chancel arch of Winchfield church in Hampshire, which was surely executed by the same workshop.

The font can be compared with that of New Shoreham.

IX Bibliography