St Andrew

There has been a church on the site since 765 AD, and the current building dates from 1170, added to in 1250. Dedicated to St Andrew, it lies a fraction higher than the rest of South Ferring in an area of historic cottages, on Church Lane

St Andrew’s stands on a low hill in the heart of the old part of Ferring Village amongst some of the oldest cottages in the village. It is probably one of the oldest churches in Sussex.

The first church of St Andrew in Ferring was built between 765 and 791. With it was associated the endowment of land which became the basis of Ferring Manor, an episcopal property of the see of Selsey. Together, church and manor were established as the centre of village life well before the Norman Conquest.

The existing building was started in about 1120 on the site of the original church. The west wall and south wall in the nave date back to this time. The church was enlarged in 1250, when the chancel was built and the northern side extended.

It has been suggested that, centuries ago, the current porch formed the base of a tower, a possibility which might account for the blocked-up doorway seen on the inner side of the east wall. The church has seen Ferring grow from a small hamlet of under a hundred souls to the present active and successful community of just under five thousand.

All this time the church has helped the people of Ferring in good and difficult times.

A booklet containing the detailed history of the church is available and a short leaflet description too, but we also offer a prayer walk guide around the building, as well as a 'who's who and what's going on' sheet.

There are a number of interesting memorials to ancient local families, an historic High Altar with the Ten Commandments engraved on it, and a comfortable quiet corner for prayer. There is also a place to light a votive candle, and the Sacrament is reserved in the Sanctuary.

Automatic LED lights illuminate the church for the day time visitor, and show off the stained glass windows at night. There is no car park, but often a space can be found alongside the ancient Sussex flint perimeter walls.

Outside, there is a well kept churchyard with some ancient gravestones, a pleasant place to sit and reflect.