St Peters - Folkington 

On the A27 near Polegate is a road sign pointing to Folkington Lane, a no through, small road at the end of which is St Peter's Church. Driving along this verdant route provides lovely views of the Downs as you pass by racehorses grazing beside the gallops, in the grounds of Folkington Manor. About a mile along  the road ends at the foot of the Downs where stands the beautifully remote but far from forlorn church.

Built in the 13th century it is on the site of a previous church dating  to well before the Norman Conquest. The present building underwent considerable restoration in the 19th century but now needs some more work to various parts of the fabric.  Some of the square oak pews date to the 15th century.

Reading the small church guide, I discovered one interesting and unusual little fact about a curious piece in the church possessions. Called a medieval paume  it is,  " in effect a portable ecclasiatical hot-water bottle". Apparently during cold climes it can be filled with hot water and placed on the altar during mass celebration to keep the priests hands warm. I am unable to say if it is still used today in cold weather but if it is, the priest I am sure will consider it a godsend.

When returning to the A27, just before entering notice the small Edwardian post box with an opening just big enough to accept a normal DL size envelope. It is still in use today.