Didling Church - St.Andrews

 (Awaiting photograph)

 It is located between Treyford and Bepton ( W. Sussex) and nestling at the base of the Downs amid superb scenery. It lies a short way  along an unmade track that you can drive along.

Sheep farming was the main occupation in this area that gives rise to its colloquial name " The Shepherds Church". It also gives rise to the story that the altar rail balusters are so closely spaced to stop even the smallest of animals to pass through. After Archdishop Laud in 1760 directed thaat all churches should have altar rails and balusters to stop dogs defiling the sanctuary, this rule was taken to heart at Didling. It appears that most shepherds took their dogs in with them. On more than one occassion the dogs had foujnd the bread, blessed ready for communion, and and had a meal of their own!

 The !7th century "Benches" (pews), are a feature of the church; each has a candle holder at the end which together with the candle chandeliers are used during times of darkness as there is no electricity. Another of the prized possessions is the Saxon font . Although mainly of 13th Century construction there has been a church here since Saxon times with services provided for over a 1000 years.

This a simple white walled church with great charachter and is well patronised and loved by the local parishoners.