WELCOME TO

St James’s Church, Titsey

A Church with Deep Roots

The story of St James’s Church begins long before its current building. A church has stood in Titsey since at least the Domesday Book of 1086. The medieval church, once located close to Titsey Place, was replaced in 1776 and then again in 1861, reflecting changing tastes and the evolving needs of the community. Today’s church was designed by renowned architect John Loughborough Pearson, whose vision brought together Early English and Decorated Gothic styles in a blend of stone, wood, and stained glass.

Architectural Highlights

• Exterior: The church’s tower and spire, positioned on the south side, rise to 95 feet and are visible from Pilgrims Lane. The lychgate and steps create a memorable approach, while the stonework features local Limpsfield sandstone and Bath stone detailing.
• Porch: The deep porch at the south-west corner invites visitors inside, with stone benches and decorative arches.
• Unique Features: The north vestry and porch, with their unusual angles and sturdy columns, showcase Pearson’s distinctive style.

Inside the Church

Step inside to discover a light-filled nave with oak benches, each uniquely carved. The church was designed for a congregation of 140, with all seats free – a rare feature in its time. The open timber roof and patterned stone walls exemplify High Victorian “structural polychromy,” where beauty is built into the very fabric of the building.

• Font & Pulpit: The massive stone font greets visitors near the entrance, while the pulpit, carved from estate-grown oak, bears the Gresham family motto: “Fiat voluntas tua” (“Thy will be done”).
• Lighting: Elegant brass lamps, originally oil and now electric, illuminate the nave.
• Chancel & Chapel: The chancel is richly decorated, with painted texts, estate oak stalls, and an alabaster reredos. The north chapel, reserved for the Leveson Gower family, features stone vaulting and a remarkable collection of monuments and memorials.

Monuments & Memorials

St James’s Church is a place of remembrance, with monuments spanning centuries. Discover memorials to the Gresham and Leveson Gower families, including chest tombs, brasses, and effigies. The churchyard and chapel hold stories of local figures, war heroes, and benefactors whose generosity helped preserve Titsey for future generations.

Stained Glass

The church’s windows are adorned with vibrant stained glass, much of it by the celebrated firm Clayton & Bell. Each window tells a story, commemorating family members, depicting saints, and celebrating the life of the parish. The heraldic glass in the tower and chapel reflects the dynastic history of Titsey, with emblems such as the Gresham grasshopper and Ipswell arms.

There is also a striking modern stained glass window commemorating the last two members of the Leveson Gower family, Thomas and Richard, who set up and endowed the Titsey Foundation. This was installed by David Innes, the heir and ward of Thomas Leveson Gower.

Plan Your Visit

St James’s Church remains consecrated and is used for occasional services and events. Visitors are welcome to explore its history, architecture, and tranquil churchyard. The Church is open during Titsey Place’s usual opening times but please contact the office for visiting at any other time.