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Selham St. James church This tiny two-cell church formerly dedicated to St.Mary was rededicated in the 16th.century. Whether or not it is of Saxon or Norman origin is a hotly discussed subject. Although there is a substantial and obvious amount of Norman architecture,  there are also some aspects that correlate very much to the Saxon pattern; the porch door for instance is round arched and narrow, set in a thin (only 23inch) thick wall, in line with Saxon era practices. The square chancel is also a style favoured by St.Wilfred who first brought Christianity to Sussex. To date no one has been able to state categorically its origination. Inside there are a number of interesting items worth seeing that include an unusual “full immersion” Norman font and a magnificent Norman arch with fascinatingly carved capitals. There are some beautiful Victorian windows that include two relating to the longest serving Rector (he served 59 years) whose wife had an illustrious family background. Rev. Blackburn wrote a detailed chronicle of his wife’s ancestry and heraldry in which he traced her family ties to Edward 1 of England - Philip 111 of France – Wm the Conqueror – Fulk V, King of Israel and grandfather of Edward 1 etc. When Rev Blackburn’s researches were finalised, he had no fewer than 9 Royal armorial bearings that all relate to his wife’s heritage depicted in the north window of the nave. He financed the whole installation and creation. He served as Rector from 1842 until his death in1899.
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