Tuxlith Chapel at Milland

Although St Lukes is the parish church of Milland, it is not actually in the village; in fact it is about 2 miles distant. It lies just off the the B2027 ( the old A3) between Petersfield and Liphook.

 I came to it from Midhurst following the A272 Westwards until taking a right hand lane through Iping and Malling villages then continuing straight through the junction at the Rising Sun pub and along to the end where it meets the B2027. Turning left I saw a sign – Milland Parish Church  - ¾ mile. I must warn that anyone using this route to the church must be prepared to follow along beautiful tree clad, but narrow lanes.

On entering the church land you first come to St Lukes 19th century Parish Church and then literally a few metres past to the Old St Lukes Church. The burial grounds alongside each building contain some very interesting and unusual carved headstones. However just in front of both main church entrances  a hedge separates them from a newly consecrated (1990s) serene over-spill burial ground with lawns that are set amidst a virtual arboretum of various trees.

Until 1879 Tuxlith chapel was the parish church, but when it was found to be too small, the new church was built after which time the chapel was used as a Sunday school. This was closed some 50 years on and the premises left to fall into a ruinous state. Fortunately it was rescued by the charity “Friends of Friendless Churches” in 1974 when they purchased a long-term lease. The roof was quickly restored and the building made watertight. After this a local group of Friends got together and it is they who now work hand in hand with the charity to gradually restore and maintain the fabric. They have made a new pulpit from the remains of the original and a new altar was specially made. Apart from a few wall-mounted items, this “L” shaped chapel is completely bare with  flag-stone floors; the altar and pulpit are set in the corner

overlooking both sections. Although no longer consecrated it does hold a number of events on occasions such as evensong, art displays and Harvest Festivals; during good weather days visitors picnic in the newly consecrated area mentioned above.

It is difficult to give a precise age of the chapel due to many alterations and additions over the years, however it clearly dates from the 12th century and almost certainly was around in the Norman era (11th century).

I would think this is a must visit to those interested in old church buildings. One thing is for certain this is no longer a “Friendless or Forgotten” church building.