Patching village sits just above a gap in the South Downs, north west of Worthing, and above the…read moreglorious sweep of road known as 'Longfurlong', now part of the A280. The village has some picture-postcard thatched cottages, and a mediaeval church, dedicated to St John. History The village and church are first mentioned in the Saxon period in 948AD, and again in the Domesday survey, but the present building dates from around 1200. There is an unbroken list of Vicars from 1282 to the present day. The sequence of building in the church presents something of a mystery, as the fine arches beneath the tower (and the odd orientation of the nave) suggest that this may have been intended as the original crossing. The church was renovated in 1835, 1856 and especially in 1889, when the spire, porch and vestry were added, as well as its rededication to St John the Divine. The Church From the outside, the church is typical Sussex: flint walls, stone dressings and a tall, shingled spire, and Early English Gothic lancet windows throughout. Inside, the nave is wide and barn-like, with a magnificent, original roof. But what catches the eye is that the chancel arch of off-centre, with the nave apparently pushed to the left. Just before the chancel arch to the left is an archway to what is now the north transept, but is actually beneath the tower, and there are also arches to the east and west, all with shafts in classic 13th century style. The chancel is entered through an impressive Victorian screen, and has two lancets in the East End with a small Oriel window above, and a fine piscina with stiff-leaf capitals. The carved reredos is a modern addition. Furnishings include a very fine octagonal 15th century font, with quatrefoil panels enclosing rosettes, and a 19th century pulpit incorporating 16th century arabesque panels. On the floor beneath the tower is a fine 18th century memorial, to Mary (d. 1737) and Robert Bushby (1739). Their epitaphs read: Here Lyes beneath A Lass deprived of Life A tender Mother And a Loveing wife A faithfull friend A Father dear A loveing husband That lyeth here The modern parish includes the nearby church of Clapham and the larger church of Findon, up the Longfurlong road. The church is a Grade I listed building.

This is part of the church but has many different activities available including playgroups…read more They have a cafe with low prices which mean that if you are on a budget you can get a good deal on something to eat. There are computers available for internet access and a lending library of books. Midwives arrange appointments here. I love this place it's a little community place to take little ones.

St Andrew's is an impressive neo-Gothic Victorian church just south of Worthing station…read more The church was built by the well-known Victorian church architect Sir Arthur Blomfield in 1887-88, executed in the Early English Gothic style, of flint with stone dressings throughout. The chancel has a noteworthy screen and carved wooden reredos, as well as an impressive set of stained glass windows by Kempe. The adjacent hall and original vicarage are co-located and form an impressively uniform architectural grouping. Services are in the Anglo-Catholic tradition.

Spent my boyhood as a choirboy here when Fr. Meade was Priest. I always felt it was a beautiful…read morebuilding although some might think it is quite sombre by todays' type of building.

Never can such an unprepossessing exterior have hidden such a gem. From the outside, St Mary's…read morelooks like you average, run-of-the-mill neo-gothic Victorian church. It doesn't even look that large, and has the added humiliation of a public lavatory attached on one side. But once inside, you turn and find yourself in a cathedral-like space: a huge nave, an even larger crossing and a spectacular chancel and sanctuary. This is architecture as drama, writ large. St Mary's has had an interesting history: opened in 1827 to cater for the burgeoning suburbs of east Brighton, the original church was a rather handsome neo-classical building, modelled on the temple of Nemesis in Athens. Alas, like many Regency buildings, it was badly built, and partially collapsed during building work in 1876. The architect commissioned to design its replacement was William Emerson, known mostly for his work in India. St Mary's is his only church in the UK, and he chose the decorated gothic style for his new creation, albeit one with other elements: the aisle arches are round-headed and groups of Early-English lancets proliferate - all in red brick, with Bath stone detailing. The arcades rise to Corinthian capitals, both in the nave and in the apse of the sanctuary. Cleverly, Emerson made full use of the changes in levels, first down from the entrance and baptistery into the nave, and then back up again into the sanctuary, to emphasise the height. (The nave is 40ft across and 60ft high.) The only element not completed was the tower, which was abandoned for lack of funds, although early drawings show what was intended. The church has a wide array of Victorian stained glass, including an example by Kempe, although other workshops predominate. (The web-site has excellent pictures of all the glass). The furnishings are also of high quality, including a carved pulpit of Caen stone, and a marble font, which stands on a plinth of granite from the Schreckhorn mountain in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. This commemorates the second Vicar, Julius Elliott: an accomplished rock climber, he was the second to ascend the North Face of the Matterhorn, but died in 1869 after an apparently successful ascent of the Schreckhorn, at the age of 28. The other notable feature is its organ, which is known for its tonal quality, enhanced by the excellent acoustics of the church. The only downside to all this grandeur is that to-day's rather smaller congregation struggles to resource the scale of maintenance required of such a huge building. It needs generous visitors.

There's not much to add to Templar's comprehensive review: still regarded by many as one of the…read moremost important centres in the Anglo-Jewish community, the Bevis Marks Synagogue is beautifully maintained. It is strongly reminiscent of the Wren and Hawksmoor churches of the City in its classical architecture and furnishings, which include impressive brass candelabra and 17th century wooden benches. The Synagogue's tradition is Orthodox, so men and women are separated: men on the ground floor, women in the galleries. Their opening hours (for visits) are slightly longer than advertised on their website, so it's worth contacting them ahead of a trip to London if you want to pay a call. Tourists (as opposed to those attending services) are asked to pay £3 for entry, and men are asked to wear a skull cap - one will be provided if you don't have one. Your bags may also be searched. They sell a small range of postcards and books at the entrance.

Situated in a secluded courtyard, the Bevis Marks Synagogue was opened in 1701 to serve the Spanish…read more& Portuguese Jewish Congregation. Today it is one of the best-preserved houses of worship of its period still in regular use. The Inquisition, revived by Ferdinand and Isabella, turned its attention to these crypto-Jews, and from the last years of the fifteenth century, they: were systematically persecuted, arrested, tortured, tried, and burnt at the stake. From about this time there was a constant exodus of 'Marranos' who succeeded in escaping from Spain and Portugal or its dependencies to avoid persecution and a small number of them reached Protestant England. Outwardly, they were obliged to behave as Christians, for at that time Jews were not allowed officially, to enter the country, but at any rate they could live there, provided that they behaved with circumspection, and could meet in secret in each others' houses for prayer. The first Jewish house of worship of the resettlement of the Jews in England was as opened in 1656 in the upper floor of a house in Creechurch Lane, which is but a stone's throw from the present Synagogue in Bevis Marks The site of this house is today marked by a plaque, on the rear corner of Cunard House in Creechurch Lane. Jews were permitted to return to Britain in 1657 under Oliver Cromwell. They felt that the time was opportune to present a petition in the form of a humble address to Oliver Cromwell asking for the official re?admittance of the Jews to England Their decision was no doubt a wise one, as Cromwell, reared in a Puritanical atmosphere with its emphasis on the Old Testament was likely to hear favourably any petition presented by the 'people of the Old Testament'. Some of the most eminent figures of Anglo-Jewry sat at prayer in the Synagogue such as Sir Moses Montefiore. Disraeli was born into the Congregation and there are links to the Rothschilds. Today it is regarded as the most distinguished British Synagogue. The magnificent wooden Ark or cupboard) resembling a reredos, at the east end, is built in classical architecture in the manner of Sir Christopher Wren's time. It contains (as is the custom in Jewish synagogues') the sacred scrolls of' the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses, written in Hebrew on parchment, which are read in consecutive instalment over the period of a year as the central feature of the Sabbath Service. Several splendid seventeenth century vestments and silver ornaments belonging to the scrolls survive. The entablature of the Ark has as its central feature the Ten Commandments written in Hebrew (abbreviated), above which are inscribed in Hebrew the words 'Know before Whom thou standest'. The silver hanging Sanctuary Lamp, burning perpetually before the Ark, was presented by Edward Foligno in 1876 and evidently replaces an earlier example, now lost. Except for the addition of the doors to the Banca or Wardens' pews and to the Haham's or Chief Rabbi's seat in 1787, and of the choirstalls in about 1830, the ancient synagogue has remained virtually unchanged. Electric light was installed in 1929 Even though recently restored, the interior has barely changed since it was built. It is in the style of many Nonconformist chapels of the period. The influence of Sir Christopher wren is also evident. The Synagogue has one of the finest collections of Cromwellian and Queen Anne furniture in the country and the magnificent brass candelabra with glowing candlelight. On 19th December 1951 the Congregation held a Service to celebrate the 250th anniversary, of the opening of the Synagogue which was attended by the Duke of Edinburgh. On 22nd March 1956 British Jewry held a Service of dedication and thanksgiving at the Synagogue on the tercentenary of the resettlement of the Jews in the British Isles. Twelve pillars, symbolising the tribes of Israel, support the ladies' gallery, the reading desk and Echal are flanked by 10 candlesticks representing the Ten Commandments; and the interior is dominated by seven magnificent candelabra, corresponding to the days of the week. One of the great oak beams supporting the roof is said to have been presented by Princess (later Queen) Anne. In 1992 and 1993 the synagogue suffered great damage from terrorist bomb attacks on the City of London. Nearly £200,000, raised by donation, has since been spent in repairing and renovating the structure

This is a wonderful parish with a lively and friendly community. Our priest Father Marcin Drabik is…read morevery warm and down to earth as well as being very charismatic. I love their website which is really information www.stswithuns.org.uk

This lovely church in Soho Square was once the home of…read moreCasanova's lover Mrs Cornelys & their daughter was conceived here when it was once one of the most fashionable addresses in London. Now it holds magnificent services. I went to the funeral of Pearl here, wife of John Bermiston, a publican in nearby Fitzrovia's Northumberland Arms

As a temporary resident of London (student abroad) who was looking for a church to go to Mass…read moreduring my period of stay, I am very happy to having found this church. It's ambiance is respectful but not overly so (in the sense that no one will seem to want to criticize you if you just so happen to drop your jacket/book during Mass). There were a variety of types of people during my time there, and everywhere I looked, I was greeted with a smile. The music was all very pleasant, especially due to the fantastic acoustics of the stone walled church! Overall, if I were to ever find myself in London again on a Sunday, I'll be making my way here.

Henfield is one of those Sussex villages lots of people drive through and admire, but seldom stop…read moreto explore further. That's a pity, because (traffic aside) it's a very attractive spot, with an impressive church, tucked away from the main street on a narrow lane. History records King Osmond giving permission to the local Count Warbold for a church here as far back as 770AD, but the oldest parts of the present church date from around 1250. Rebuilding in the late 13th or early 14th centuries provided the present nave and clerestory, and the 15th century the tower and Lady Chapel. Restoration in 1871 delivered the present wide aisles and two-bay outer aisles as transepts, as well as a new chancel. From the outside, the impression is of an entirely Victorian church, save for the tower: Pevsner's Buildings of England describes this as: A Perp tower like a keep, as grim as it would be in Northumberland. But inside, the retention of the 13th century chancel arch and handsome 14th century arcade and nave roof, as well as the Lady Chapel, give it a more historic appearance, although those wide aisles and transepts do draw the eye sideways as much as forwards. Fittings are mostly Victorian, although the screen to the chapel now known as the Parham Chapel - is 15th century, and there are old church chests one Jacobean dotted around. The piscina is also 14th century and was moved to the chancel in the Victorian restoration. Two 13th century lancet windows were also retained, now in the clergy vestry. The chapel windows are original, although the glass in modern (many of the windows are by Kempe). The most striking modern addition is the very new stone floor a most impressive expanse, which ones hopes will mellow with age. Outside, the churchyard is worth a wander around: there are some fine 18th century gravestones, and avenues of clipped yews 104 in all!

ABUSIVE, 80% BORING, AND NOT CARING ABOUT CHILDREN'S SAFETY:…read more THEY ARE FILTHY CROOKS. And the sermons delivered by their pastors (not their guests I have seen so far this year) at the Central London branch are SO boring!!! I have not heard such boring messages since I became a born again Christian and I think we have not since the world began. What is going on? They are SO pathetic!!! God sees. God agrees. Of course. On Sunday 23/11/2025 at Hillsong Church Central London at Dominion Theatre there was a serious incident. *A female church volunteer deliberately* endangered my precious sons Jeremiah and Ethan who are 10 and 8 years old by providing us with wrong information at the start of the service. As I raised concerns about this potentially dangerous misinformation, do you know what their response was? Three security staff and a Hillsong church female staff member attempted to terrorize and threaten me, and they vigorously defended the hypocrite female volunteer who deliberately gave me the wrong information endangering two young children, how evil! The female church staff member's behavior stemmed from jealousy (it was 100% jealousy getting her to attempt to terrorize and threaten me like that, the confidence she tried to exhibit after the church service was extremely fake, she wanted to give the impression that I am the one in the wrong and she has finally done the right thing mistreating me the way she did at the start of the church service, cock and bull story, her jealousy is monstrous) and honestly I don't care because I have other important *GOOD* things to do in this world. I passed kindergarten and I am very focused. After the church service, three of the security staff at Dominion Theatre continued their harassment. I was forcibly escorted out with Jeremiah and Ethan by two of the security staff (without having caused a scene during the church service, no) while my precious son Ty who is 16 had gone to the restroom. The two security staff refused to let me re-enter the hall to get my precious son Ty after forcibly escorting Jeremiah, Ethan and I out. Only one man who attended the church service intervened, asking the abusive two security staff to allow me back inside to get my third child, but they still denied me that. I very much thanked that man who intervened. I then spotted my son Ty, who, noticing my absence in the hall, was calling my phone to find out where I was; I had to shout his name for him to come to me. They wouldn't let me go back inside to get my own child? It highlights how fitting the term "FILTHY CROOKS" is for them. A third security staff mocked us, laughing at me, Jeremiah and Ethan. I contacted news outlets like SKY News to expose the way I was mistreated. Yesterday 30/11/2025, as we went to church my precious children and I for God, I was told by one of the abusive security staff from the previous Sunday that Hillsong Church Central London has refused that I continue to attend their church. Someone called Steve, a church representative I believe, spoke to me and confirmed this. They mentioned an email was sent to me about it. I told them I had not received that email which is true. THEIR JEALOUSY IS DISGUSTING AND MONSTROUS! And ugly. What they don't know is that the night before God, who is always on my side, revealed a secret to me and instructed me not to disclose it until after I attended church yesterday and witnessed their actions. God clearly stated: "NOT THIS TIME", in a very strong and powerful manner. I wonder what God meant. God spoke that against those at Hillsong who support my mistreatment, showing me, assuring me, that he is on my side. He is definitely infinity percent not with them when it comes to the way they treated me the previous Sunday and yesterday. THANK YOU SO MUCH, LORD! YES!!! Please FIRE and BAN the three abusive security staff, the abusive jealous female church staff and that female volunteer who deliberately gave me wrong information. Shut down their evil. For good. Now. THANK YOU. Patricia Wagner

It's always great to visit this church here in Bloomsbury, the community are friendly and you feel…read morelike you're home around your family!